Dear Editor,

VIOLENCE against children knows no boundaries.

Violence affects all races, class, religions and culture. In every district, region and country, many children constantly live in fear. No single country is immune.\ As a concerned citizen, I would like to remind others about this dire situation in order to protect our children. International human rights laws should safeguard every person’s dignity. However, children should get more protection than they are now getting. This includes extreme forms of violence against children, including sexual exploitation and trafficking, physical and mental abuse and injury, and also the more commonplace negligence that occur in homes, schools and residential care facilities. At the community level, programmes to prevent violence should be organised by community leaders. These programmes should include efforts to reduce truancy, provide non-academic learning opportunities such as mentoring activities and community programmes for children. The government should promote and support programmes and campaigns to educate the public on children’s rights, in particular, how to maintain positive, non-violent relationships with children. The media can also play a role in the fight against violence. Exposure to violence in early childhood can also affect the maturing mind. Establishing a warm, safe, and secure environment for a child at home should always be the first step in preventing violence. Prolonged exposure, whether as a victim or a witness to violence, can disrupt the nervous and immune systems and lead to emotional and aggressive behaviour. We must protect our children from being abused as they hold the key to the future.

Source: Malay Mail – March 28, 2008