An end to violence against children and young people

Violence against children and adolescents is a widespread problem that often remains hidden. Every year, millions of children suffer from various forms of violence that leave both physical and emotional scars. This shocking reality demands our immediate action.

The forms of violence are diverse: from bullying in schools to cyberbullying to domestic violence. The psychological effects are also severe and can significantly impair the development and social behavior of those affected. In the current times, exacerbated by the Corona pandemic, these issues are more relevant than ever.

In this article, we will shed light on the various aspects of violence against children and adolescents, as well as its effects and preventive measures. Together, we can raise awareness of the issue and find ways to protect children and adolescents.

Stop Violence Against Children and Adolescents

Violence against children and adolescents is a serious problem that can take many forms. This includes sexual violence, emotional violence, and the exploitation of children. Educational professionals and teachers play a crucial role. They should be trained and act responsibly to protect children from violence.

Warning Signs of Violence

• Behavioral abnormalities: Sudden changes in behavior can indicate abuse.
• Physical injuries: Bruises or other injuries should be taken seriously and checked.

It is important to assess the risk of violence according to SGB VIII, §8a when signs of violence are present. Preventive measures can support families in challenging times, such as during a pandemic.

Support for Affected Individuals

Children should be encouraged to reach out to trusted adults when facing problems. Counseling centers offer anonymous help, making access easier. Protection from violence must be a priority to ensure the development of children worldwide. Any form of violence can leave severe emotional scars. It is essential to raise awareness and find sustainable solutions.

A Global Problem

Violence against children and adolescents is a global problem that cannot be ignored. An estimated one billion children are affected by physical, sexual, or psychological violence. Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the issue of domestic violence has come into sharper focus. School closures and lockdowns increased the risk for children.

The support from primary caregivers plays a crucial role in the psychological health of children. In emotionally charged situations, it is important for adults to pay close attention and listen.

UNICEF is committed worldwide to protecting children and mobilizing people to stand against violence. Greater awareness and issues such as psychological and emotional injury must be urgently addressed.

Key Points:

• Forms of violence: physical, sexual, psychological
• Support from caregivers is crucial
• Highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic
• UNICEF fights globally for child protection

It is our collective responsibility to protect children from violence and create a safe environment for their development. Everyone can contribute to breaking the cycle of violence.

Forms of Violence Against Children and Adolescents

Violence against children has many faces. It includes physical abuse, sexual violence, neglect, and psychological abuse. Children often experience multiple forms of violence simultaneously. This significantly impairs their health and development. Violence often occurs behind closed doors and remains invisible or unchallenged. About half of the youth worldwide experience violence directly in school and within their families.

Bullying in Schools

Bullying in schools is a reality for many students. It makes school a dangerous place. Between 20 and 65 percent of children worldwide reported being victims of violence in the past 30 days. Violence in schools, whether physical or verbal, severely affects students' well-being. The fear of such violence should not deter children from continuing to learn.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious threat. About one in three adolescents has already been a victim of it. Through the internet, especially on social networks, victims suffer attacks that lead to feelings of helplessness. The forms of cyberbullying range from harassment and insults to exclusion. All of this negatively impacts the psychological well-being of the victims. Social media intensifies the pressure on children and adolescents.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious problem. Despite legal prohibitions, thousands of children and adolescents in Austria are affected every year. 15% of Austrians experienced violence between their parents as children. The Corona pandemic exacerbated this situation, as many children lost their support systems like teachers. Many do not see mild physical punishment as problematic, which can often lead to trauma and long-term damage.

Physical Violence

Physical violence against children is alarmingly diverse. The spectrum ranges from slaps to serious injuries such as burns. This violence can leave lasting physical and emotional damage or even end in death. Often, parental overwhelm and helplessness lead to such abuse. Physical violence can be prosecuted criminally, as it falls under bodily harm.

Emotional and Psychological Violence

Emotional and psychological violence is often difficult to recognize. It manifests in withdrawal of affection, devaluation, mockery, and threats. Children experience it through outbursts of anger from caregivers and by witnessing parental violence. Excessive care that conveys powerlessness also counts as such. This type of violence has serious traumatic consequences and affects the psyche and social behavior of children.

Key Points at a Glance:

• Types of Violence: Physical, sexual, psychological
• Frequency: Around half of the youth worldwide affected
• Hidden Problem: Violence often invisible behind closed doors
• Approaches: Raise awareness and empower children
• Support: Help from caregivers is crucial

Eliminating violence against children requires collective action. Everyone can help break the cycle and provide children with a safe future.

Effects of Violence on Children and Adolescents

Violence against children is a serious problem and can occur in many forms. This includes physical violence, emotional violence, and neglect. Many children experience multiple forms of violence simultaneously, complicating the situation further. Once a child experiences violence, whether at home or in school, their social and psychological health is impaired. Children who witness violence between their parents or caregivers are at a higher risk of experiencing violence themselves. International child protection is essential to secure all children's rights and promote their development.

Physical and Psychological Health

Violence has a significant impact on the physical and psychological health of children. Chronic stress from violence can lead to organic damage and impaired brain development. As adults, these individuals tend to engage in risky behavior and have higher substance abuse rates. Additionally, there is an increase in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders. Victims of violence tend to pass the cycle of violence onto the next generation.

Long-Term Consequences for Development

The consequences of violence in childhood are often long-lasting and profound. Physical injuries are often direct results of violence. There is an increased risk of psychosomatic and physical illnesses later in life. The Covid-19 pandemic has also exacerbated situations, as more children may have experienced domestic violence. When children are exposed to multiple forms of violence, their overall development is severely affected.

Impact on Social Behavior

Violence in the family can lead to partnership conflicts or separations, threatening the social stability of children. Foster care also has legal and social consequences for children. Violence often alters individual roles within the family, affecting children's social behavior. Bullying, both offline and online, amplifies children's social insecurity. Access to social media increases the risk of bullying and sexual exploitation, negatively impacting children's social interactions.

A list of types of violence:

• Physical violence
• Emotional violence
• Neglect
• Violence by caregivers

It is important to raise awareness of these issues and actively work on solutions to protect children worldwide from any form of violence.

The Role of the Corona Pandemic

The Corona pandemic has exacerbated the violence situation in many families worldwide. Households already suffering from poverty and existing tensions are particularly affected. The closure of schools and daycare centers has meant that teachers could no longer recognize signs of abuse or behavioral issues in children. This weakened important protective mechanisms. Social workers were also unable to conduct home visits due to contact restrictions, significantly hindering support for affected families.

Increase in Violence During the Pandemic

During the pandemic, the risk of domestic violence increased significantly. Children were more at risk due to lockdowns. Schools and other safe spaces were inaccessible, and teachers could not observe any abnormalities. This led to an increase in cases of violence. Media reported that the loss of retreats and clear daily structures worsened the overall situation. At the same time, facilities for preventing and combating violence were severely disrupted. This led to an increase in violence, exploitation, and abuse of children.

Change in Support Services

During the lockdown, many affected women did not know what support services were available. Only a few utilized them. Youth welfare offices and counseling centers recorded fewer cases of domestic violence against children. At the same time, inquiries to hotlines and online counseling services such as "JugendNotmail" or "Nummer gegen Kummer" increased significantly, indicating a large dark field. A well-known poster from the 1970s, which aimed to empower women, was later adapted for children to convey preventive messages. It is recommended that children reach out to trusted adults or specialized counseling centers in emergencies. These often offer anonymous advice and support.

List of Support Services:

• Confidential conversations with trusted adults
• Contact with youth welfare offices
• Use of hotlines like "Nummer gegen Kummer"
• Online counseling through platforms like "JugendNotmail"

Support for Affected Individuals

Violence prevention begins with the education of parents. They learn about non-violent parenting methods. This leads to a decrease in violence against children. Children and adolescents affected by violence have the right to legal support. This allows them to secure their victim rights. Institutions like the "möwe Kinderschutzzentren" offer psychotherapeutic support. This helps process traumatic experiences.

Important Organizations and Their Work

Many organizations are dedicated to protecting children. "Die möwe" offers free and anonymous counseling. UNICEF works worldwide to reduce violence against children. They mobilize justice into concrete actions. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child protects children from all forms of violence. The Hazissa association focuses on the prevention of sexual violence. They provide educational offerings to promote respectful relationships. Counseling centers like "Nummer gegen Kummer" support threatened children.

Access to Counseling Centers

For children who have been victims of violence, there are specialized counseling centers. The counseling is anonymous. Children do not have to provide their names. The emergency number for children is available 24/7 at 147. The Children and Youth Advocacy (KiJA) offers support for all under 21 years old. They can be reached at +43 732 77 97 77. Certain professions are legally required to report suspected child welfare endangerment.

Psychological Help and Therapy

In shelters, children receive medical and therapeutic support. Trauma is treated there. A community with other affected individuals can provide children with stability. Diagnostics reveal possible consequences of abuse. Therapeutic offerings promote emotional and social development. Play tests are an important tool in this process. They assist in both diagnosis and recovery. Children also have the right to legal support. This secures their rights and claims.

Violence Prevention

Violence against children and adolescents is a significant problem, both globally and in our neighborhoods. It is often a structural problem that is unconsciously passed down within families. Preventive work is crucial to recognize and stop all forms of violence.

Initiatives and Measures for Prevention

Preventive measures must be a priority in our communities. In children's clubs and workshops, children learn about the types of violence that exist. They also learn how to protect themselves. Programs like "Good Parenting" help parents create a violence-free home. They should understand why physical punishment is harmful.

It is important to show perpetrators that violence is not accepted. Legal advice and reporting perpetrators are steps to protect children. State measures such as convictions send a clear signal. Thus, long-term societal change can be achieved.

UNICEF is globally committed to protecting children. Their programs improve the situation of children, especially regarding violence and abuse.

Raising Awareness in Schools and Communities

In schools, violence is unfortunately very common. Between 20 and 65 percent of children worldwide experience physical or verbal violence. Cyberbullying is also a growing problem. The constant connection to social media can make emotional violence a daily presence.

Teachers should pay attention to behavioral abnormalities after the Covid-19 pandemic. Children who experience violence need early help. Awareness of children's rights and victim protection has increased since the 1970s. This has led to better protective facilities.

Schools and communities must take action. They should implement measures for violence prevention and awareness. This helps minimize the long-term impacts for affected children.

Overall, it is the responsibility of adults to ensure the protection of children and promote a violence-free environment.

The Role of Society

Violence against children is a global problem that poses significant challenges to society. This violence occurs in various forms, including physical and emotional violence as well as neglect. It is estimated that around one billion children and adolescents are affected by physical, sexual, or psychological violence. This shows how urgently societal action is needed. The societal perception and acceptance of violence, such as through corporal punishment, significantly influence prevention. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of violence against children further increased. Therefore, societal efforts must be intensified to ensure child protection. Since the 1970s, political and social achievements, such as protective facilities and legal measures, have improved the protection of children in our society.

Political Commitment to Children's Rights

Three out of four children worldwide experience violence, which requires decisive political commitment. Children should have the opportunity to participate socially, politically, and economically. The fight against violence and exploitation is a central demand within the framework of children's rights. Political initiatives must ensure that all children have access to education, even if they have to work. Combating violence against children is an essential task that requires political measures and societal awareness.

The Importance of Participation and Empowerment

Empowerment and self-confidence are crucial for the mental well-being of children and adolescents. They should know that they are not to blame for the injustices they experience and that they have the right to seek help. Through political achievements and laws, the protection of children has improved, leading to a reduction in sexual violence. The implementation of children's rights and the establishment of protective facilities reflect the societal duty to provide children with a safe and supportive environment. Awareness-raising initiatives and training measures for professionals have expanded knowledge about child protection and strengthened children's empowerment. Over the past 30 years, the legal anchoring of child protection is evidence of the societal responsibility to guarantee them care and careful upbringing.

Conclusion

Violence against children and adolescents is a serious problem that requires global attention. Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child obliges countries to protect children from all forms of violence and abuse. In Germany, the right to a violence-free upbringing has been legally enshrined for 20 years.

Nevertheless, a UNICEF study shows that parts of the population still accept violence against children. Awareness of the harmful effects is growing, yet many children remain at risk, especially during times of home quarantine and financial uncertainty.

The Sustainable Development Goals aim to end abuse and violence against children worldwide by 2030. This plan requires comprehensive measures.

Key Points:

• Legal Framework: Protection from physical and emotional violence.
• Societal Awareness: Necessity to change attitudes.
• Risk Factors: Home quarantine and financial burdens increase the risk.
• International Goals: End abuse worldwide by 2030.

To improve the situation, it is crucial to promote education and take effective measures to sustainably protect children and adolescents.

Action Options for Individuals and Communities

Violence against children and adolescents is a serious problem that requires determined action. There are several action options for individuals and communities to combat this violence:

1. Show Civil Courage: Everyone can make a difference by not looking away. It is important to intervene and seek help when witnessing violence.
2. Community Support: Communities should create safe spaces where affected children and adolescents can receive help.
3. Offer Therapeutic Help: Access to therapy and counseling helps children process their traumas and strengthens their psychological health.
4. Education and Awareness: Workshops and training on the various forms of violence, such as sexual violence or emotional injuries, strengthen awareness that violence is unacceptable.
5. Political Engagement: Politics and authorities should provide adequate resources and treat protection from violence as a top priority.

Only through the interplay of individual and community support can we protect children worldwide from violence and positively influence their development. Together, we can create a future where violence against children is no longer accepted.

Three out of Four Children Experience Violence

Three out of four children worldwide experience violence. This shocking figure shows how widespread this problem is. Around one billion young people are victims of physical, sexual, or psychological violence. In Germany, nearly half of the population believes that a smack on the bottom does no harm to a child.

Violence against children takes many forms. This includes physical abuse, sexual assaults, and emotional violence. Often, it is caregivers who perpetrate this violence. Children aged two to four are particularly affected.

Measures to Protect Children

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Since 1989, the protection of children has been considered an important international law.
• Contracting States: Obligated to protect children from all forms of violence.

Types of Violence

Type of Violence	Description
Physical Violence	Physical assaults
Sexual Violence	Unwanted, sexually motivated acts
Emotional Violence	Verbal attacks and bullying

Child protection requires global awareness and action. Everyone can help end the exploitation and emotional injuries of children.

Violence Has Many Faces

Violence against children has many faces. It includes physical abuse, sexual violence, and neglect. Psychological abuse and financial exploitation are also forms of violence. Children can experience several of these types of violence simultaneously, exacerbating the problem.

Violence can severely impair the health and development of children. It often occurs in schools and families. It is a widespread societal problem.

Here are the main forms of violence:

• Physical Violence: Beatings and physical abuse.
• Emotional Violence: Insults and mental violence.
• Neglect: Poor treatment and lack of care.

It is important to raise awareness of these types of violence. Affected children need our protection and support. Only in this way can we positively influence their development and protect them from further emotional injuries. The United Nations is committed to fighting violence worldwide. Together, we can help millions of children.