Sexual abuse of children takes many forms: abuse by a family member of acquaintance, at an institution, child pornography, child prostitution and trafficking. It is a growing problem around the world and it has devestating consequences for the victimized child.
A child that is abused by a family member or friend cannot feel safe in his or her own home. Furthermore, most children who are being commercially sexually exploited have also been sexually abused at home.
Trafficking in children has grown with the increased globalization. Unicef estimates that 1.2 million children are trafficked each year, making it a multi-billion dollar industry. In many instances they are sold as sex slaves in the countries they are sent to.
Child pornography on the Internet is another growing problem. Ruthless pedophiles document sexual abuse of children and use the material to sell or exchange on the Internet. In addition to the abuse these children suffer, images of the abuse circulate worldwide across the Internet for many years.
What does Childhood do to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation?
In Brazil, our main focus is to combat sexual violence. This effort is carried out through direct services, prevention, information and education. The Truck Drivers Program, aiming to combat prostitution and sexual exploitation along Brazilian roads, is one example. The reality of truck drivers in Brazil is known to be very harsh, and it is generally known that many of them are somehow involved in prostitution and sexual exploitation. During 2004 and 2005 Childhood Brazil conducted a national research study with financial support from Volkswagen Brazil. The next step was to work out strategies for working with the problem of sexual exploitation along Brazilian roads. The aim is to turn truck drivers into protection agents of children and adolescents. This will be made possible through the involvement of all sectors in Brazilian society, especially the corporate sector. Creation and distribution of a magazine, an internet site and media spots are some of the strategies in the campaign.
In the US, Childhood supports Project Safe at the Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem, New York. Project Safe offers art and dance therapy, as well as counselling and rehabilitation to children who have been sexually abused. They also help families in order to ensure that the children live in a safe environment.
