In an effort to end all forms of violence against children, a six-month multi-sectorial pilot campaign was carried out in Thimphu, Samtse, and Trashigang. The campaign ended recently. A 2016 survey found six in 10 children in the country experienced some form of violence. The number is even worse if a child has disabilities. The study also pointed out that one in 10 children experienced sexual violence once in their lifetime.
The campaign, one of the biggest collaborations to date, is aimed at addressing the barriers preventing children and young people from availing of protection services.
It is also to raise awareness about the prevalence of violence against children. The campaign focused on sexual, online, and physical violence.
The message at the experience-sharing event among implementing partners today was clear, that is, more needs to be done to address violence against children and young people.
“As per the global report, the likelihood of children with disabilities being abused is almost three to four times more than children without disabilities. So, in that context, we play a vital role in creating awareness among all the stakeholders, parents, caregivers, and students with disabilities themselves,’’ said Namgay Dorji, Project Manager of Ability Bhutan Society.
He added that similar campaigns need to cover all the districts.
‘‘There are so many emerging and unreported cases in the communities. People are still not aware of the existing services and child policies and the reporting mechanism,” said Samten Tshering, Case Management Officer, Nazhoen Lamten.
The Women and Children Division under the Ministry of Education and Skills Development with support from UNICEF and other stakeholders carried out the campaign.
‘‘There is obviously reluctance to change or talk about violence. Due to deeply rooted cultural norms or methods of disciplining, which are often associated or synonymous with beating or hitting and this sets urgency to raise awareness and foster behavioural change,” said Tshering Yuden, Programme Officer of Tarayana Foundation.
The Women and Children Division under the Ministry of Education and Skills Development with support from UNICEF and other stakeholders carried out the campaign.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sherub Dorji
