Millions of children worldwide are sexually abused every year. In Cyprus, research shows that one in four children experience some form of sexual abuse at some stage in their lives: One in four girls and one in six boys.
In the majority of cases (70% - 85%), the perpetrator is a person from the child's close environment. What is most worrying, however, is that only a very small number - estimated at around 15% - break their silence to seek help or file a complaint. And this despite the fact that all studies demonstrate that immediate and skilled intervention is the best way to help a victim overcome trauma and ensure healthy growth.
On the occasion of the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (18/11), Council Foni , which is responsible for the implementation of the National Strategy for Combatting Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography, provides information and raises public awareness, with the aim of preventing and eradicating this heinous crime. Most importantly, it ensures the effective implementation of the National Strategy, which offers every child in need a way to break their silence and have immediate access to the help and support they deserve.
The European Day highlights, once again, the urgent need for all countries to ratify and make full use of the Lanzarote Convention, the most comprehensive legislative instrument for addressing the phenomenon at global level, as well as the necessity to avoid stigmatizing child victims. In Cyprus, the Lanzarote Convention was ratified in 2015 and its effective implementation is ensured both through legislation and the National Strategy.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is shaking the very foundations of our society. It is therefore essential to engage not only the State, but also the entire civil society, in order to combat the phenomenon itself and develop a broader child-centered prevention policy.
The protection and well-being of children is a matter that concerns us all and it is our responsibility and duty to shield them from such behaviors and offer them a healthy and secure future, so that they can grow to their full potential.
During a formal event to be held on 27 November, Foni will launch an awareness campaign for the protection of children, teenagers and young people in Cyprus, with the primary objective of turning their silence into Voice.