In all countries, in all cultures, there is violence against children. UNICEF launches a clear message: 'Whenever children suffer damage, and wherever it is, we must show and express our indignation and our anger. The invisible must be made visible'.
Because too often violence against children is not seen, not heard, and not reported. That is why last Wednesday, an initiative was presented that urges ordinary citizens, legislators and governments to speak more forcefully to combat violence against children. A specific website and a campaign in social communication networks describe various ways for children, parents, and communities take action: for example, by participating, informing, organizing activities and public discussion forums, supporting children victims of violence, and working with UNICEF global and local allies.
In the video, and after recounting several examples of violence against the most vulnerable population sector, Liam Neeson states that 'just because we cannot see violence against children does not mean that there is no'.
I would like to remember that 'just because we think that many types of violence against children are far from us', does not mean we should stop showing interest. In addition, situations of vulnerability do not always occur on the other side of the world: sexual abuse, physical punishment, child pornography, minors being trafficked ... are we aware that they are committed in our country?
The origin of the initiative is the growing popular outrage that broke out after several horrific attacks on children, such as the shooting attack that occurred in Pakistan in October 2012 against Malala Yousafzai, 14; the shooting death of 26 students and teachers in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012; and the group rapes of girls that are already occurring too regularly
Violence not only causes physical injuries, but also also leaves mental scars in children. It affects your physical and mental health, compromises your ability to learn and socialize, and undermines your development.
Statistics that point to the scale and extent of violence are scarce, but underline the need for urgent collective action. For example, some 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 experienced acts of sexual violence and exploitation, according to WHO, and an estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked each year, according to a report by ILO 2005.
