World Day for Prevention of Abuse against Children sees public and police join forces

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The World Day for Prevention of Abuse against Children was commemorated by World Vision in joint efforts with the Police of Armenia. A series of events were recently organised in different communities of the Armenian capital Yerevan to serve as a rallying point for the public around the issues of child abuse and highlighted the role of the police in protecting children. The event called for increased attention, efficient protective skills and prevention measures that are necessary at the family, local, national and international level. The World Day for Prevention of Abuse against Children was commemorated by World Vision in joint efforts with the Police of Armenia. A series of events were recently organised in different communities of the Armenian capital Yerevan to serve as a rallying point for the public around the issues of child abuse and highlighted the role of the police in protecting children. The event called for increased attention, efficient protective skills and prevention measures that are necessary at the family, local, national and international level. While children in Armenia traditionally enjoy care and love of their parents and families, there are also children who suffer from abuse, violence and neglect. After a long period of silence, child abuse is being more and more denounced and is becoming a public and political topic in Armenia. It alerts authorities and civil society organisations in Armenia to play a more active role in the promotion of and respect for the rights of the child, and contribute to the prevention of child abuse. According to the Fund for Armenian Relief 'Children's Support Centre' foundation in 2008-2010, some 470 children that received shelter at the centre were exposed to various kinds of abuse, including physical, sexual and psychological. 'Child abuse is harmful and can have a lifelong impact - affecting children's ability to feel safe and loved, the way they relate to others, and their self-esteem. We all have a role in keeping children safe to create a culture of child abuse prevention, so as the generations to come have the opportunity to meet their potential', said the national director for World Vision Graham Strong . who gave a speech at the event. In addition to speeches by World Vision staff and senior police officials, the policemen together with children disseminated flyers among the passers-by, with the flyers providing a detailed explanation of the possible behaviour of a child exposed to abuse. As well a pantomime performance was presented for the public. Eleven-year-old David was one of the children in the audience. He looked neglected, wore dirty clothes, yet was thoroughly enjoying the performance and was trying to be of help in spreading the flyers. 'I like the atmosphere here; it is the best celebration ever. My mum has left home and I used to stay with my father. But today I have to move to the special institution', said David. 'No matter how few are the children exposed to abuse and violence, the state has the responsibility to ensure their constitutional right - children have to be protected. This event has an objective to be a rallying point around the issue of child abuse and the need for urgent and effective prevention programmes, the need for raising awareness and educating families and communities to create early environments that protect children from violence', said the head of Teenager unit of Qanaqez-Zeitun community police department Ashot Mkrtchian. -Ends-