David Beckham has partnered with UNICEF to create a short film with a haunting and powerful message against child abuse.
Violence can mark children forever
According to UNICEF, "Tattoos are marks that often represent special memories, but millions of children bear marks they have not chosen - and that will last a lifetime."
David Beckham also shares that it was because of his experience with kids who experienced abuse or violence that urged him to work with UNICEF to create the video:
“Violence can mark children forever. I’ve met children with @unicef who have been affected by terrible violence and abuse and seen the long-lasting scars it can leave. I chose the marks on my body but millions of children bear marks they have not chosen. Please share this film to help #ENDviolence#foreverychild. It’s wrong. End it. #7fund.”
Every five minutes, a child dies from violence
The film features the football star's tattoos being animated to depict different forms of violence that happen to children at home, in schools, and other spaces where children should be safe.
David Beckham, 41, shares,
"When I launched my 7 Fund with Unicef, I made a commitment to do everything I can to make the world a safer place for children and to speak out on issues that are having a devastating impact on children's lives."
"One of those issues is violence. Every five minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies from violence. Millions more are in danger of physical, emotional and sexual abuse that could destroy their childhoods forever.
"Last year I visited Cambodia with Unicef where I met and listened to children tell me about terrible violence they have experienced.
"I was shocked by what I heard and I saw how violence can leave deep and lasting scars. No child should have to endure this. Yet in all corners of the world, in their homes, schools and on their streets, children are suffering similar violence.
"I hope this new project will draw attention to this urgent issue and inspire action. Violence against children is wrong and together we need to end it."
Watch the powerful video below:
Go to the next page to learn more about what you can do about child violence and abuse.
What can we do to prevent child violence and abuse?
Children are the most vulnerable, least powerful, and the least likely to be able to defend themselves from abuse or violence. Additionally, 93% of sexual abuse cases that happen to children are done by an adult that's close to the child.
That's why it's very important for us adults to know what we can do in order to prevent cases of violence and abuse against children.
- Understand the risks and know the facts. Did you know that 34% of child abuse victims are abused by their family members? It's very important to know the risks and the realities of child abuse, so that you can better protect your child.
- Minimize risk for your child by limiting their one-on-one interactions with adults. Most of the time, abusers take advantage of your children by first gaining their trust. That's why trying to limit your children's one-on-one interactions with adults is a good way of keeping your kids safe.
- Talk to your child. Most of the time, children who are victims of abuse keep it a secret. Sometimes it's because they're afraid of their abuser, they're scared of disrupting the family, and other times, they're ashamed. Make sure that your child knows that you're someone they can trust and talk to should anything bad happen to them.
- Be aware of the signs. In most cases, physical signs of abuse are very rare. Most of the time, the signs are much more emotional, ranging from behavior that's "too perfect", anger, depression, and being withdrawn.
- Know what to do in case of abuse. If you find out that your child has been abused, keep calm. If you act angry or react with disbelief, your child might change their story. It's important to trust your child and report it to the authorities.
- Trust your gut. If you suspect that a child is being abused, trust your gut. It's understandable to have some hesitation or second thoughts, especially if you don't have enough evidence, but reporting it early can help save a child's life. Trust your instincts, and act on your suspicions.
READ: 7 Behaviors that look like love, but are actually emotional abuse
Sources: kidspot.com.au, mirror.co.uk, kidsfirstinc.org
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