Cleric seeks end to violence against children
From Akinnodi Francis, Ore
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As children in Ondo State today join their counterparts globally to mark the 2019 Children Day, a Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Stephen Akindusoye has called for an end to violence against children in Nigeria.
The clergy made the call yesterday saying, “Creating safe spaces for children remain our collective responsibility”.
He decried violence against children in the country, urging government at all levels to be determined to mobilise resources to tackle the scourge.
He described violence against children as pervasive, adding that it occurred in homes, schools and workplaces.
According to him, perpetrators often include the very people children are expected to trust – parents, caregivers and other family members, friends, teachers and intimate partners.
Fr. Akindusoye noted that violence against children affected them for life, saying the marks were sometimes visible bruises and broken bones.
According to him, harm caused by violence on children also affects their mental and physical health and their ability to function in the world.
“Six out of 10 children suffer some form of emotional, physical or sexual violence before they reach the age of 18.
“Many of them encounter violence over and over; yet, less than five per cent of the children seek help and receive support.
“This is a clear call for the government at all levels to act to end violence against children.”
He appealed to parents to give their best to provide the children quality education and train them in Godly way so as to end the menace in our society.