Dealing with Violence against Children

The author is Teacher II at Masamat Elementary School Rose anne T. Lavides

Children and youth aged 13 to 24 experienced high levels of physical, psychological, sexual, and peer forms of violence, according to a study published by the 2015 National Baseline Study on Violence against Children, which is the first-ever study to measure the prevalence of all forms of violence against children across the country.

It was stated that physical violence was encountered by two out of three children, sexual violence by one out of four children, psychological violence by two out of five children, and peer violence by two out of three children.

These types of violence are most common at home and, to a lesser extent, in school.

There is a scientific evidence that suggests that violence against children can be prevented by giving specialized care and support to families who are at risk of violence. This can be done by fostering safe and sustainable family environments; ensuring that legal frameworks prohibit all types of violence against children and that youth have limited access to any type of weapon; and giving children who have been victims of violence access to high-quality response programs.

Aside from these, there should also be a fair access to products, services, and opportunities by eliminating the cultural, social, and economic imbalances that lead to violence.

With these practices, we can prevent violence and save lots of children who are experiencing different types of abuses.

We, as members of the community, should take part in advocating child protection. We should be open, and build relationships with children in order for us to understand and provide support to our young people, especially in today’s time of crisis.

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The author is Teacher II at Pansinao Elementary School, Candaba West District