Stop Violence Against Children

Upon their birth, children are generally a source of delight, love and unity. It is therefore very sad when, only a few years later, these same children are subjected to various forms of abuse, often violently.

Article 19 of the 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, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.”

As stated in this definition, violence against a children can occur in a variety of forms. No matter how widespread or prevalent, there is no justification for any mentally or physically-abusive practices in raising a child. As long as a child is being subjected to the discomfort of physical pain (even if intended to be corrective) it constitutes violence!

We should work on instilling proper discipline in the child early on rather than vent the displeasure and frustration of a child’s misbehaviour on the child by beating him up. Child labour and sexual abuse should also be discouraged.

Violence against a child does not only leave an indelible agonizing psychological scar on a child (thereby encumbering his all round development), they also teach him a wrong notion thereby nurturing a culture of violence.

Recommended strategies to prevent violence against children

Support for parents, caregivers and families

Proper education on children’s development will increase the likelihood of positive disciplining methods and reduces the risk of violence within the home.

ü  Helping children manage conflict

Teaching children and youth the skills and appropriate measures to manage conflict without the use of violence, is imperative for reducing violence in schools and communities.

ü  Changing attitudes and social norms that encourage violence

Discouraging those attitudes and social (religious and cultural) norms that portend violence is very necessary to prevent violence from occurring in the first place. 

ü  Promoting and providing support services for children

Encouraging children to report incidents of violence and seek professional support helps them to resolve and better cope with experiences of violence.

ü  Implementing laws and policies that protect children

Implementing and enforcing laws and policies that protect children from abuse will deter society from violence.

ü  Data collection and research

Knowing about violence – where it occurs, in what forms, and which age groups and communities of children are most affected – is essential to planning intervention strategies and setting targets to curb violence.

It is our moral and human right to act now and break the cycle of violence against children.

It is Children’s Day; we can start today.