End Violence, Protect Our Children

Every November in the Philippines is National Children’s Month, which aims toadvocate for the rights and needs of children. The theme for this year commemorates the fight against challenges many children are faced with today,“Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.”

Childhood violence takes place in different settings: at home, at school, or in society. Children are vulnerable and may experience abuse, bullying, or even  neglect of which the consequences affect them both physically and emotionally. The purpose of this celebration is to create awareness and to mobilize individuals to do their best to ensure that children are safe from abuse. No child should live in fear, and it is our responsibility to make sure that we uphold this. Education and awareness are important to create a safe environment to children.

They must learn from people who are closest parents and community leaders how able themto speak up for themselves and know their rights. In addition to this however, there is a need to ensure that the perpetrators of such acts of violence do not go unpunished but rather there should be mechanisms in place to help those who have been violated. Small things like talking to the child, referring the child where there are instances of abuse, or even taking part in activities aimed at averting violence do help a great deal.

This year’s celebration is an open invitation to every single individual to do their fair share and call for a safer Philippines for children. To be engaged in these efforts in our country is to not only protect children but make it easier for them to fulfil their destinies. Let us all work towards a country where every child knows no fear and has no doubt of being loved and appreciated.

References:

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2016). National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children.

UNICEF Philippines. (n.d.). Ending Violence Against Children in the Philippines.

Republic Act No. 7610: Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.