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Two children are smiling as they walk with the headline: It Takes You and I to End Violence Against Children.

 

What Do We Do? What Can You Do?

End Violence Against Children

Every year, 1.7 billion1 children experience violence.

Violence against children can take many forms. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) defines violence against children as all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse. Violence also includes practices such as sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labour, cyber abuse and child marriage.

Violence does not discriminate. It happens in every country, city and community. Most violence against children is conducted by those with the duty to care for children – family members, caregivers and teachers2. Violence against children costs trillions of dollars and slows economic growth. What’s more, it robs them of their childhoods, dignity, human rights and God-given potential, jeopardising their future survival, health and education.

Violence can have far-reaching, devastating effects on a child’s life – leaving them with lifelong feelings of anger and demotivation, stunting their social and emotional growth, and increasing their risk of anxiety, depression and suicide.

 

Here are a few facts about violence against children:

A billion children between the ages of 2 and 17 years experience some form of violence every year. Asia Pacific has one of the highest rates of violence against children.

 

Violence against children costs up to US dollar 7 trillion each year, or 8% of global GDP.

 

There are an estimated 168 million child labourers worldwide of which 77.7 million are in South Asia and Pacific. 85 million of them are involved in hazardous work.

 

Every year, 15 million girls under the age of 18 become child brides. Almost half of all child brides live in South Asia.

 

Six in ten children aged between 2 to 14 years are subjected to corporal punishment by a caregiver.

 

150 children in Malaysia are coerced into prostitution every year.

 

 

It doesn't need to be this way.

 

At World Vision, our dream for every child is simple: to thrive without experiencing violence of any form. We are intent on raising awareness and resources to eliminate the ills of violence against children.

World Vision’s It Takes You and I to End Violence Against Children campaign will drive citizen empowerment and bring together a global movement of people committed to keeping children safe from violence and harm. We know you’re with us on this and together we can end violence against children!

 

What Is World Vision Doing?

 

In the communities we serve in Malaysia and beyond, we:

Raise awareness among parents and caregivers on child protection topics such as stopping violence against children and reporting abuse

 

Train children and youths to practice and implement child protection knowledge and skills.

 

Form child protection groups to respond to child rights violations and improve child participation.

 

Promote the implementation of child protection policies from local to national government level.

 

What Can You Do

 

Through the It Takes You and I to End Violence Against Children campaign, you can help us to address violence at home, schools, and online, which are spaces where children spend most of their time.

You can start by empowering yourself with knowledge on issues surrounding violence against children. Here is our resource to help get you started. Then share what you’ve learned with those around you and be an advocate for children!

As part of this campaign, you can support and join our movement in the following ways:

 

#BizForChildren Charity Dinner

On 30 April 2019, join us for an evening of delightful entertainment, with notable speakers and experts, all while enjoying a scrumptious meal!
Book now!

 

#RunForChildren

Walk or run with us on 5 May 2019 in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Bring your children along, as it will be fun and educational for all!
Register now!

 

Advocacy Fund

This fund will support our child protection efforts in Malaysia and other countries, ensuring the well-being of children and raising awareness on child rights.
I would like to donate

 

Let's work together to build a world where all children can grow up safe, healthy, educated, loved and protected.

 

Malaysia, It Takes You and I to End Violence Against Children.

 Join Us!

 

Sources:

1 Know Violence in Childhood, 2017

2 United Nations General Assembly, Report of the independent expert for the United Nations study on violence against Children. GA Res 57/90, UN GAOR, 61st Sess, Agenda Item 62(a), UN Doc A/61/299 (29 August 2006).

3 American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016

4 ChildFund Alliance, 2014

5 International Labour Organization, 2013

6 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 2012

7 UNICEF, 2014

8 End CSEC Network Malaysia and ECPAT International 2018, Universal Periodic Review.