Three Out of Four Children Experience Violence
Each year nearly three out of four children around the world experience some kind of violence.
A new report confirms that finding and another troubling development: Childhood violence is linked with violence against women. Children who see their mother being abused are more likely to be abused as an adult or become abusers themselves.
The study was prepared for a children's rights group called Know Violence in Childhood.
The study found that childhood violence happens nearly everywhere -- in rich and poor countries alike. It affects an estimated 1.7 billion children every year.
This violence includes fighting or bullying. It can also include sexual abuse, sexual violence and physical punishment, both at home and in school. The researchers did not include violence from war and other events.
Ramya Subrahmanian is executive director of Know Violence in Childhood.
She says that violence is a learned behavior that comes from deep, long-held cultural values. For example, in some societies, beating is a form of discipline.
The researchers say there is also an economic cost to society when children experience violence. They are less likely to get an education and succeed in life.
The group’s website explores ways to end the violence.
It reports that experts say the first step is to speak out about violence against children. Keeping silent only increases the chance that violence will continue.
The report says that anti-violence education needs to be included in school systems, community programs and in health services.
