Child Abuse Records: Let’s Take Action!
The figures published on Wednesday by the child protection group and victim advice center at the University Children’s Hospital in Zurich (Kispi).are frightening: 647 children were suspected of physical and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
The further increase in suspected cases of child abuse shows once again how explosive the issue of violence against children and young people is. Preventive measures are urgently needed. UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein has actively campaigned for the ban on violence in education to be anchored in law, which the Council of States finally approved in December 2022. dies urgently needed. Because in order for children and young people to be able to develop healthily, legislation is needed that ensures their full protection.
In addition to prevention, awareness-raising measures for professionals dealing with children and young people affected by violence are also important. For this purpose, UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein developed together with the “interest group for quality in child protection” and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts transdisciplinary quality standards in child protectionto be released this year.
We are also committed to ensuring that clarifications and procedures are carried out in a child-friendly manner and that children and young people are taken seriously:
- That is why UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein are organizing the together with the FHNW Specialist conference on the subject of “Participation in child protection and educational support”
- In addition, we offer a Guide for professionals on the right to be heard as well as explanatory accompanying brochures for child from 5 and from 9 yearssuch as teenagers and Adult. These publications are currently being revised.