Ending violence against children

Violence against children is one of the biggest problems affecting families and societies. It happens all around the world, in all countries and communities—and all too often, it happens in the family. 

A staggering reality

Violence against children can take many forms: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, emotional abuse and more. And the facts can't be ignored:

— Every five minutes, a child dies from violence. 

— One billion children–over half of all children aged 2 to 17–are estimated to have experienced emotional, physical or sexual violence.

— One in 10 girls–120 million–under the age of 20 has been subjected to forced sexual acts.

— Nearly one in four children live in a country affected by conflict or disaster, making them more likely to experience neglect and abandonment.

— At least one in six children entering an SOS Children’s Villages program has previously experienced violence.

 

You can help end violence against children

We believe that every child deserves care, respect and a loving home.
Your contribution to SOS CHildren's Villages helps to ensure that this mission is realized by:

• Providing a safe, loving home and family-like care to a child in need.

• Allowing a child to access an education, building confidence and hope for their future.

• Providing medical care, nutritious food, clean water and other essentials.

• Supporting a child affected by neglect, abuse or other violence with psychological support to improve mental health and heal from trauma.

• Strengthening families and protect children from ever experiencing abuse or trauma in the first place.

Report: The right to protection

This SOS Children's Villages report examines the various forms of violence children are exposed to, the impact of violence on children and ways of preventing and responding.

Download PDF: English

Download PDF: Spanish

 

Give today and support SOS Children's Village work to end violence againt children.

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The devastating impact of violence

Violence can affect a child for the rest of their life, with severe consequences for a child’s physical, psychological and mental health. Without adequate support and care, violence and trauma can have long-term effects on a child’s development and future life.

 

Click here to learn how SOS Children's Villages heals childhood trauma around the world and how parents can help their children cope with trauma.
 

Children who have experienced violence are also more likely to perpetuate the cycle, passing on patterns of violence to their peers or future generations. Ending violence against children is not only important for each child’s rights, but also for healthy communities and societies.

The SOS approach:

   

Together with supporters like you, SOS Children's Villages is putting an end to violence against children by:

— Supporting and strengthening families to foster stable and positive relationships.

— Empowering communities and raising awareness among national and community stakeholders to create safer environments for children.

— Strengthening support networks to help others respond appropriately to cases of child abuse and risks of violence.

— Providing nurturing environments and quality care to facilitate recovery and resilience of children who have experienced violence.

— Supporting care professionals so they can keep children from harm and help those affected by violence overcome their trauma.

— Child safeguarding through faithful implementation of the International Child Safeguarding Standards and providing safe ways to report abuse.

— Joining with UNICEF and other key partners to establish the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, an advocacy initiative bringing together stakeholders from different areas to work together to end violence against children.

Impact stories

Inspiring stories about our work on ending violence against children.

Where we help

Find out where we work to improve children's lives.

What we do

Learn about our approach to quality care for the children who need us most.

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