child abuse — One child a day is sexually abused in Cyprus, marking a distressing statistic that highlights the urgent need for action. In 2024 alone, there were 483 reports of child sexual abuse, equating to a new case every 20 hours, according to the child commissioner’s office.
On Tuesday, the European day for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse, the #20ForYou campaign was launched to raise awareness and encourage public engagement in addressing this critical issue.
Child abuse: Empowering Children and Raising Awareness
The #20ForYou initiative aims to break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse by fostering a more open, supportive environment for victims. The campaign encourages individuals and organisations to stand together in their commitment to give children a louder voice.
Five Key Demands for Change
- Specialised psychological and social support for victims of abuse.
- Enhanced education around the topic in schools.
- Placement of psychologists in all schools to provide immediate support.
- Recognition of early warning signs to prevent abuse.
- Immediate removal of online child abuse material.
The campaign calls upon adults to dedicate 20 minutes from 10am to 10.20am—symbolising one minute for each hour until another child is harmed. Participants are encouraged to share photos on social media with the #20ForYou hashtag, demonstrating their commitment to this crucial cause.
Creative Initiatives to Amplify Children’s Voices
As part of the campaign, children across Cyprus will participate in activities designed to express their feelings about safety. They will write down what would make them feel safer on post-it notes and attach them to a board titled ‘The wall has a voice’. Schools will then showcase these expressions on social media, amplifying the children’s messages.
The child commissioner’s office hopes that through these actions, the campaign will resonate widely, conveying the powerful message that “no child should grow up in fear, no child should remain unaided, no child should stay silent.”
A Call to Action for the Community
As the #20ForYou campaign unfolds, it is crucial for the community to engage actively in efforts to protect vulnerable children. By supporting the five demands and participating in initiatives, individuals can contribute to a safer environment for all children in Cyprus.
