HANOI, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Laos has detected 970 victims of human trafficking, including 835 aged under 18, since 2001, Lao newspaper Vientiane reported Thursday.

    Between May and July alone, 36 Lao women and children were victims of human trafficking, 16 others of domestic violence and four of rape, the paper quoted President of Lao Women's Union Sisay Leudedmounsone as saying.

    The union has called for strengthening publicity and education on preventing children and women from being trafficked in the community, intensifying fights against human trafficking, building up legal documents on the issue, and giving stronger support to victims.