Violence against children, in all its forms, takes a disastrous toll on the physical, mental, and social development of the more than 1 billion children around the world who are affected. They deserve a real childhood.
In April 2023, conflict erupted in Sudan, quietly triggering an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, especially for children, causing mass displacement, severe levels of hunger, deteriorating mental health, and an increase in gender-based violence, according to a new report released this week by World Vision.
As we approach the 500th day of the conflict, the crisis only deepens. Children and their families are being forcibly displaced from one location to another as the front lines shift, creating the worst children’s displacement crisis in the world. Since the beginning of the conflict, upwards of seven million children have fled violence in search of food, shelter, and safety – the majority internally displaced, while others have fled to neighboring countries.
Globally, 1 billion children (nearly half of the world’s children) are exposed to violence every year. This violence includes abuse, neglect, exploitation, and physical, sexual, and emotional violence — including commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labor, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting and child marriage.
Thankfully, a bipartisan bill presents a major step forward in ending violence against children. The Strengthening Efforts to End Violence Against Children Act, which World Vision helped write, will elevate the needs of the children most at risk of violence and promote better research and data-gathering, so violence can be tracked and ultimately prevented.
"He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight." –Psalm 72:14
The U.S. has a crucial role in leading the effort to end violence against children. Act today to get the Strengthening Efforts to End Violence Against Children Act passed in the House (H.R. 4798) and introduced in the Senate. It is critical for the United States to provide high-level leadership and coordination around these efforts.
This act has been introduced in the House, but still needs to be passed and introduced in the Senate! Add your voice to help us get there, and check back here for updates.
House: H.R. 4798
Date Introduced: 7/20/2023
Number of Cosponsors: 11
Date Passed: not yet passed
Senate: not yet introduced
Additional Links:
Learn more about the Strengthening Efforts to End Violence Against Children Act.
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(Last Updated 10/3/24)