Children who are victims of abuse
Sexual abuse and exploitation exists all over the world and has devastating consequences for the victimized child. Trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (cse) in children have grown with the increased globalization.
The concept of abuse involves physical, psychological and sexual abuse against children. Abuse is also neglect of a child’s fundamental needs, which could harm the development of the child and his or her physical, mental and emotional health.
1.2 million children are victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) annually around the world.
*Estimate by UNICEF
1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be abused before the age of 18.
Research show that as many as one in three girls and one in seven boys will be sexually abused in their childhood. Of this, 90 % is committed by someone whom the child knows and trust. Only 15%-30% of child abuse cases are reported to authorities.
What does Childhood do?
In order to prevent neglect and different forms of abuse, it is important to support early intervention initiatives. It is also very important to increase the knowledge and awareness of the rights of the child among children, and of the abuse among parents and those in close proximity to the child. Childhood’s support is directed both to projects that work with preventive efforts, as well as assisting children who have been abused and exploited.
Children who are victims of abuse and exploitation need help to process what has happened to them. Therefore, Childhood funds projects that support legal assistance to children. Other kinds of support can include individual and group treatment and therapy, as well as alternative care for a child where the home environment is deemed unsuitable.
A look at one of our projects
Kristi House – Florida, USA
Kristi House is part of the Children’s Advocacy Centers, a nationwide network of treatment centers for children who have been sexually abused and traumatized. The program is built on a model that works to minimize the trauma to the child by gathering all parties in one location so that the child recounts the experience only once. It employs a staff of social workers, psychologists, an MD and other child professionals who work together with the DA’s office.
