Helpline for child abuse victims launched

In celebration of the National Children's Month, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Wednesday launched a helpline to help address children’s concerns on abuse and other forms of exploitation.

CWC public affairs and information chief Elino Bardillon said that the Makabata Helpline will help children with their concerns, particularly on mental health, and those who experience abuse, violence, exploitation, or other similar acts.

“Itong Makabata Helpline, malaking tulong ‘to upang matugunan natin ang mga suliranin ng mga bata. ‘Yung concern nila sa mental health, at least may matatawagan ‘yung mga bata. ‘Yung concern natin sa mga abuses, ‘yung mga violence against children, among others,” he said in a public briefing.

(The Makabata Helpline is a big help for us to address the children's problems. The children could call if they have concerns on their mental health, abuses, and violence, among others.)

Those who wish to report cases of child abuse may call 0915-802-2375 for Globe subscribers, or 0960-377-9863 for Smart. They could also send a message at the Mabakata Helpline Facebook page, or email makabata1383@cwc.gov.ph.

Bardillon said the CWC conducted a study among 3,000 children before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine their mental health situation.

“Lumabas doon na tatlo sa limang bata ay psychologically abused. Maraming bata ang minumura, inaalipusta,” he said.

(Results showed that three out of five children are psychologically abused.)

“With negative words, they are being psychologically abused. This results in stress, anxiety,” he continued.

The 30th National Children’s Month, themed “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan," aims to recognize the rights of every child and how these can be protected, the CWC official said.—LDF, GMA News