Q&A: What every advocate needs to know about preventing violence against children 

Together, with our supporters, SOS Children’s Villages, works relentlessly to change this unacceptable reality for children, strengthening at-risk families and safeguarding children without parental care, so that every child can grow up safe, healthy and loved.   

This National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we sat down with Laura Martinez, SOS USA’s Senior Manager of Programs and Partnerships, to discuss the state of violence against children around the world, the long-term effects on those most vulnerable, the importance of family in ending violence, and how we can create a global safety net so every child can grow up healthy and safe, with dignity and love.  

What is considered violence against children?   

Violence against children involves all types of violence—physical, emotional and sexual—against people under 18 years old. It can be perpetrated by parents or caregivers, peers, partners or even strangers. Violence against children can happen to any child in any country –low, middle and high income. 

One billion children experience violence every year, reducing their likelihood of achieving happy, healthy futures. 

In many countries, great efforts have been deployed to end violence against children, but there is still a long way to go.  

Evidence has shown that violence against children can be reduced by addressing known risks and increasing protective measures at the individual, family, community and society levels.  

Are some children more vulnerable to violence than others?  

Although violence can happen to any child, migrating children—especially those who are migrating alone, separated from their families or living amidst a humanitarian crisis—are more vulnerable to exploitation and violence.  

Children in these contexts don’t have a trusted adult or caregiver to protect them.  

These risks are exacerbated when abuse—like corporal punishment—is socially accepted.  

How does experiencing violence affect a child’s future?   

Experiencing violence in childhood impacts lifelong health and well-being, especially if the child doesn’t don’t receive appropriate psychological and emotional care. 

In early childhood, toxic stress associated with violence can permanently impair brain development and damage other parts of the nervous system. Children often experience significant learning difficulties, low self-esteem and depression which can lead to self-harm. These children are also more likely to drop out of school, which affects their future job opportunities and economic stability.  

But the child isn’t the only victim. Cycles of trauma and violence that carry into adulthood impact future generations and entire communities. 

How does strengthening the family help prevent and end violence against children?   

Data has shown that the primary triggers for violence include economic hardship, migration, substance abuse, lack of emotional bonding between children and parents or caregivers, and poor parenting practices.  

On the other hand, strong families with trusting bonds, positive parenting skills and a stable support system have proven effective in reducing child abuse.  

So, by strengthening families and increasing caregivers’ resilience to social and economic risks, we can secure every child’s right to grow up in a safe, stable and nurturing family environment.  

How does SOS work to prevent violence against children?   

Every aspect of our work at SOS employs a child-centered approach under the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. We are committed to providing and promoting quality care and building resilient families and safe, nurturing environments for every child.  

SOS strengthens families and communities by building parenting and protective skills that prevent child-family separation, mitigating stressors—like economic hardship—that could lead to violence, and raising awareness of societal norms that harm children—like corporeal punishment. 

We work with governments and partners at the local, national and global levels to prevent and respond to violence against children in all contexts. We collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen policies, laws and child-protection systems to promote safe, inclusive care for children and families.  

SOS Children’s Villages is part of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children and ISPCAN (International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) and participated at the First Global Ministerial conference on Ending Violence Against Children.  

How you can help end violence against children 

• Deliver tangible, life-changing support to an at-risk child or family today. 

• When you purchase an item from our Gift Shop, you can deliver real, life-changing gifts to families and children in need. You can ensure children grow up in the safe, nurturing environments they need to thrive by removing economic hardships, implementing child protection committees or sending the trauma-informed care children need to heal from violence.  

• Join us in building a brighter future for children. 

• Your support enables advocacy for the protection of children from the life-altering effects of violence. When you donate to SOS Children’s Villages, you are joining a global community dedicated to ensuring every child grows up safe, healthy and loved.