Webinar: Sexual violence against children
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
Eight out of ten cases of sexual assault are committed by someone known to the victim. The alarming data were presented at the ‘Sexual violence against children’ webinar organised by the Institute of Mother and Child, in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women Moldova as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ national campaign.
Experts highlighted that children are the most vulnerable. Violence against children takes many forms and can have a destructive effect on children’s mental, psychological and physical health, on their education and well-being, on their lives and communities.
According to the data presented at the webinar, 14% of girls and 5% of boys aged 13-18 years have experienced sexual violence by the age of 18, 24% of girls and 51% of boys aged 13-18 years have experienced sexual violence by the age of 18 committed by a friend and only 4% of girls and 1% of boys aged 13-18 years, who have experienced sexual violence, have received the needed services.
Participants mentioned that families and communities need to be constantly informed to make the change happen and the best advocates are local specialists who know the mechanisms and peculiarities of each community.
‘At the local level, we support parents and caregivers through parenting initiatives to address harmful behaviours and negative social norms, supporting social change that promotes safe environments.’
Ecaterina Cernomorcenco, Adolescent Development Program Coordinator at UNICEF Moldova, mentioned: ‘16 Days of Activism remind us all that violence against women, boys and girls is a major challenge in the Republic of Moldova, where, unfortunately, violence is common and socially accepted. UNICEF cooperates with authorities across all sectors, including health, education and justice to prevent and respond to violence against children. At the national level, our efforts improve laws and policies. At the local level, we support parents and caregivers through parenting initiatives to address harmful behaviours and negative social norms, supporting social change that promotes safe environments.’
If you have witnessed or suspect a case of violence against a child:
• Call 112 emergency service
• Inform any medical worker (family doctor/family doctor’s assistant) at the local health centre or any other medical worker
• Call free support service for children 116 111 – Child Helpline (CNFACEM)
• Women and girls’ trust line 0 8008 8008 (La Strada)
• Call the National Agency for Social Assistance +373 22/ 822-088
• Call the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention (NCCAP) 022/758-806
The event was organised by the Institute of Mother and Child, under the EVA Project ‘Strengthened Gender Action in Cahul and Ungheni districts’, funded by the European Union in the Republic of Moldova, implemented by UNICEF and UN Women Moldova and in the context of 75th anniversary of consistent UNICEF work to protect the rights of all children.
For more useful information for parents, please click here.
