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Wednesday, 22 November 2006

Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a life time

Violence against children is a Human Rights violation. Yet, it occurs globally disregarding boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. Violence against children takes place in the home, schools and educational settings, institutions, the workplace and community itself.

No violence against children is justifiable, and all violence against children is preventable.

There can be no compromise in challenging it.

The World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse reminds us of the importance of acting now to respond to children's plight. As long as child abuse and violence continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress in implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The most hidden and underreported form of violence against children is sexual abuse. Children who are sexually abused find their world turned upside down. Since it can occur at the hands of a close relative or friend, sexual abuse makes enemies out of the very people children look to for protection – those they know, love and trust. And because it can happen where children live, learn and play, familiar places like home or school can become forbidding and dangerous.

A child’s innocence can never be recovered, and the road back to becoming a productive member of society can be a long one. Preventing the abuse and exploitation of children must become a global priority.

It's a long and tough road ahead. Jaagriti aspires to make it a little easier for as many innocent lives as possible.

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