Global estimates indicate that up to one billion children under the age of 18 experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence each year. This epidemic of violence does not occur only in conflict settings far away, it happens in our neighborhoods, faith communities, and educational settings. Violence against children has lifelong impacts on the health and well-being of children, families, communities – and even nations. In the midst of this overwhelming reality, the good news is that violence against children can be prevented.
In this panel discussion, students and faculty at Georgetown University and various experts from the greater Washington area gathered to consider steps that individuals, families, faith-based communities, and educational institutions can take to promote safety, safeguarding, healing, and hope for children and survivors of violence. The discussion grounded the goals of the United Nations resolution establishing a World Day for the Prevention and Healing of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence in our everyday, local context. While many faith-based institutions, schools, and universities have safeguarding policies in place, panelists considered what else we can do to effect sustainable, transformational cultural change. The conversation also focused on what we can learn from those who’ve experienced violence, including the support required to heal and even flourish.
This event was co-sponsored by the Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues; Walsh School of Foreign Service; Center for Child and Human Development; Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service; Global Culture of Safeguarding Program, Georgetown University; Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs; Office of Mission and Ministry; Global Human Development Program; Global Health Institute; and Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University. It is part of the Children in a World of Challenges Workshop series.
