One in five children in Sweden is subjected to sexual abuse during their childhood. Many countries lack reliable statistics of how many children are exposed to sexual abuse. What we do know, is that violence and sexual abuse of children are closely interlinked and that it exists in all cultures, in all countries and in all social classes. But it does not have to be that way. It can be prevented.
Zero vision on violence against children
A zero vision of violence against children requires a system’s change and effective efforts are needed at different levels. There is a need for better knowledge, concrete solutions and more safe environments. Specific efforts are also needed to reach and strengthen protective environments for the children who are most at risk of being abused, and those who have already been exposed. It requires that children’s integrity and rights are respected and that adults understand, listen and act. This presupposes that decision-makers prioritize the issue. We advocate and work for all of this.
Understanding the needs and gaps
Som oberoende, privat stiftelse har vi på Childhood en unik möjlighet att testa oprövade idéer, stimulera oväntade samarbeten och investera i lösningar och förändringsaktörer som vi tror på, men som ännu inte är etablerade. En stor del av vårt arbete handlar om att förstå behoven och vilka luckor som behöver fyllas för att minska riskerna och mildra konsekvenserna av övergrepp mot barn. Vi lägger mycket tid och kraft på att söka upp, initiera och stödja innovativa projekt som på sikt kan skapa hållbar förändring. Med kunskap, finansiering och nätverk ger vi kraft till idéer och innovation som skyddar barn i Sverige och i övriga världen. Det bidrar till långsiktig systemförändring och förbättrar samtidigt tillvaron här och nu för det enskilda barnet.
Three thematic focus areas
We work in three thematic areas – Child Supportive Environments and Relationships, Child Safety Online and Child Focused Response to Abuse. The themes are chosen based on the areas where children are particularly vulnerable, the needs for our work are greatest and where we as an organization have the greatest experience and knowledge and thus can make the most difference.
Photo: Susanne Drakborg