Violence and abuse have a devastating impact on children. Yet right now, millions of children across the globe continue to experience forms of violence and abuse. Violence takes place at home, in school, online, in institutions, in the community, in armed conflict and in disasters. It can seriously affect a child’s development, dignity, and physical and psychological integrity. At Save the Children, we strive to ensure that violence against children will no longer be tolerated.

Worldwide

8M

*Data from Save the Children UK

China: Protecting Children from Violence with a Child-Friendly Space

All children deserve to feel safe, supported, and cared for. Unfortunately,  school bullying, family conflict, and parental punishment can inflict emotional and psychological harm on children which no child should have to endure. Save the Children implemented a community-based service platform in 2022, which was piloted in the Child-Friendly Space of Tongtong’s community, with the aim of protecting children from all types of violence. Tongtong, an 11-year-old girl from Yanshan, experienced school bullying and conflicts with her mother due to high academic expectations, which left her feeling distressed, isolated and unsupported. “People think school bullying is just a joke but people who get bullied can be really upset and feel hurt.” Tongtong said. “When I talk to my mum about my problems, she always makes me feel like it was all my fault.” Tongtong found a supportive community through the programme, where a social worker identified her tendency to get emotional and interrupt others as a way to avoid hearing any negative comments. The social worker helped her process her emotions, develop social, emotional, and communication skills, and build positive relationships with peers and family. Through her involvement in the Child-Friendly Space, Tongtong gained a sense of belonging as a volunteer. Her self-identity and selfconfidence were enhanced, and she also experienced improvements in her relationship with her mother.

Tongtong said, “In the past, no one understood me or wanted to listen to me, and I did not feel like talking to anyone. But now, thanks to the Child-Friendly Space, I feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings with social workers. I know I can always call her if I need to talk about something.”

The community-based service platform offered children like Tongtong a safe and supportive environment where they could grow and thrive. Its success serves as a model for other communities looking to protect children from all forms of violence and help them reach their full potential.

Bhutan: Empowering Communities to Address Violence Against Children

Thimphu, capital of Bhutan, attracts people from across the country seeking employment and opportunities, but they often end up living in urban poverty, experiencing violence, and mental health issues. Dema – a girl living in Thimphu with her family – already has two children, at 17 years old, as she is a victim of sexual abuse. Her mother helps look after her young children so that Dema can attend school, while her brother provided a limited income for the family. As a result, Dema struggled with depression and anxiety, whilst juggling studying and childcare.

Dema sought counselling services from her school counsellor and was subsequently referred to Save the Children’s local partner organisation, Nazhoen Lamtoen, which runs the programme “Empowering Communities to Address Violence Against Children” with support from Save the Children Hong Kong. Following an assessment, the team consulted with Dema and her mother and made a plan for them to get extra help. Dema and her mother received livelihoods support, including practical items such as diapers, milk, and warm clothing for her babies. In addition, Dema’s mother received financial support to restart her home-based meat pickle business, which had been affected by the pandemic.

Thanks to the programme, Dema and her mother have achieved financial independence. They are now able to provide education to Dema and no longer have to rely on her brother for financial support.