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World Vision PHL launches campaign to end sexual abuse of children


International humanitarian relief organization World Vision Philippines on Thursday launched its campaign to end sexual abuse of children in line with its 60th anniversary celebration.

World Vision Philippines’ three-year advocacy campaign, “It Takes a World to End Sexual Exploitation on Children,” aims to protect over three million children from online sexual exploitation and other forms of violence by 2020.

The campaign was launched in partnership and coordination with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), and other advocacy groups.

It will be implemented within 23 areas in the country. On the first year, it will be implemented in Manila, Cebu and Misamis Occidental; on the second year, Malabon, Albay, North Cebu, Leyte, Bukidnon and West Misamis; and on the third to fourth year, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Batangas, Pangasinan, Sorsogon, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Aklan, Antique, Zamboanga del Norte, and North Cotabato.

Its campaign strategies include raising awareness, empowering caregivers and children, establishing an online hotline, supporting frontliners, conducting rescue operations and legal interventions, and supporting safe shelters and reintegration programs.

 

 

World Vision Philippines said that one out of 10 Filipino children encounter sexual violence at home.

The Philippines also ranked as the 10th country worldwide when it comes to sexual exploitation of children aged 10 to 14, the organization said.

“We will protect more than three million children. The three million is very possible. This campaign will do three major things: First is we will empower children. Second, we will journey together with our law enforcement. Third, through you, that’s why we are launching this,” Kathrine Yee, advocacy manager, said during the press launch.

“It takes everybody to finally end sexual exploitation here in the Philippines,” she added.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, on her part, said that they are continuously cooperating with World Vision in terms of protecting children against sexual abuse.

“The most vulnerable are the children of the poor. This is a very welcome initiative. Rest assured that our department is working hand in hand with World Vision in protecting children,” Taguiwalo said.

 

 

World Vision Philippines urged Filipinos to join the campaign and raise awareness on the issue of sexual violence on children especially online.

The press launch was hosted by World Vision Ambassador for Disaster Risk and Reduction Marc Nelson and new World Vision Ambassador for child sponsorship Joyce Spring.

 

 

Marilee Pierce-Dunker, World Vision ambassador and daughter of World Vision founder Bob Pierce, graced the event.

 

 

Other celebrities were also present at the event, among them World Vision ambassadors Jasmine Curtis-Smith (Youth), Tintin Bersola-Babao (Health and Nutrition), Bianca Umali (Education), Tippy Dos Santos (National Ambassador), and Sam Concepcion (National Ambassador).

 

 

—KG, GMA News

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