There were an estimated 35,000 cases of child abuse nationwide in fiscal 2000, but only about 18,000 were probed by child welfare consultation centers, according to a Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry report released Tuesday.

The estimate of 35,000 was based on reports by organizations that include local health centers, medical institutions and schools.

It was the first survey to cover such organizations, the ministry said. In the past, the ministry only surveyed child consultation centers, which have been empowered to investigate suspected cases of child abuse.