Worldwide violence against children: UN conference calls for immediate measures!

Worldwide violence against children: UN conference calls for immediate measures!

In a shattering report by the World Health Organization (WHO), it becomes clear that hundreds of millions of children worldwide are victims of violence! From blows in the family to bullying at school - the terrifying numbers show that more than a billion minors experience violence annually. Particularly alarming: Three of five children and adolescents are exposed to physical violence in their own four walls. Sexual violence is even reported for every fifth girl and every seventh boy!

The WHO urgently warns of the devastating consequences of these violent experiences. Only half of the children concerned talks about their experiences, and less than ten percent receive the urgently needed help. This can lead to lifelong psychological problems, including depression, anxiety and even addictive behavior. The effects are devastating: Many children do not achieve their full learning potential at school!

global reaction to the crisis

At the first UN conference on violence against children in Bogota, Colombia, over 100 countries have promised their support in order to put an end to this terrible reality. The plans include measures to support overwhelmed parents, the introduction of school programs against bullying and the increase in marriage age. Some countries are even committed to banning children in schools and at home. The time to act is now!