At SOS Children's Villages USA, we're on a mission to end violence against children by providing holistic care and support through our child sponsorship program. From tackling issues like child neglect and emotional trauma to combatting child exploitation and trafficking, our child sponsors are creating a safer and more nurturing world for children in need.

Understanding the reality: Child neglect and abuse

Child neglect, including emotional neglect, is a harsh reality faced by millions of children worldwide. It manifests in various forms, from medical neglect to abandonment, leaving children vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Here's a glimpse into the severity of the issue:

• Child neglect definition: Child neglect encompasses the failure to provide a child's basic needs, including food, shelter, healthcare and emotional support.
• Emotional neglect signs: Identifying emotional neglect can be challenging, but common signs include feelings of abandonment, low self-esteem and difficulties forming healthy relationships.
• Long-term effects: Children who experience neglect in childhood may carry emotional scars into adulthood, impacting their mental health and ability to function in society.

Combatting exploitation and trafficking

Child exploitation, including forced labor and trafficking, is a grave violation of children's rights. SOS Children's Villages USA is committed to preventing and addressing these issues through advocacy and community empowerment. Here's what you need to know:

• Child exploitation definition: Child exploitation involves the misuse and abuse of children for profit or personal gain, with examples ranging from child labor to sex trafficking.
• Human trafficking facts: Shockingly, millions of children are trafficked each year, subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.
• Our fight against child slavery: Through our global efforts in more than 130 countries and territories, we're working tirelessly to combat child slavery and provide vulnerable children with the protection and support they deserve.

Empowering through sponsorship

When you sponsor a child with SOS Children's Villages USA, you're directly contributing to the well-being and protection of children at risk of violence and exploitation. Here's how your sponsorship makes a difference:

• Essential support: Your sponsorship ensures that a child receives access to vital necessities like food, healthcare and quality education, in a caring environment, safe from neglect and abuse.
• Family-like environment: SOS Children's Villages provides a loving family environment for children who have been abandoned or orphaned, offering stability and support, along with the opportunity to stay with their biological siblings.
• Psychological care: Our dedicated staff provides trauma-informed care and counseling to help children heal from past traumas and develop resilience.
• Preventing bullying and online abuse: Through awareness programs and advocacy, we're working to combat online bullying and protect children from cyber threats.

Together, let's create a safer world for children

Join us in our mission to end violence against children and create a future where every child is safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can make a difference one child at a time. Sponsor a child with SOS Children's Villages USA today and be a part of the solution.