Protecting all children from sexual violence
Our members stand United For Boys through the Blue Umbrella Day campaign and collective research
What is the issue?
Sexual violence is harming millions of children worldwide, girls, boys, and non-binary children alike. While girls are still most affected, research shows that 1 in 6 boys will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.
The problem – silence and stigma
Too many boys suffer in silence. They don’t ask for help, they aren’t heard, or there are no services designed to support them. Shame, fear, and a system that overlooks their needs keep them from getting the care they deserve.
The truth
Every child deserves protection from sexual violence. Supporting boys does not take away from protecting girls, it strengthens an ongoing fight for safety, equality, and justice for all children.
Our response
Together with many of our member organisations, we are breaking the silence, challenging stigma, and creating campaigns, advocacy projects, workshops, programmes and services that also aim to protect boys from sexual violence, while continuing to protect girls and all other children, too.
A shared challenge, one collective
Across our network, members are working in their communities to help boys and young men speak up, heal, and reclaim their rights.
The Blue Umbrella Day Movement
It all started with collective research into the issue of sexual violence affecting boys, something that wasn’t talked about by many. 1 in 6 boys are impacted globally!
Through this research, we realised that we need to advocate for better understanding around the impact of sexual violence on all children – not just girls.
Five years on, and the Blue Umbrella Day campaign has engaged and mobilised over one million people, with over 40,000 people adding their name to our petition.
Over 54,000 signatures to protect boys better
Blue Umbrella Day is a global campaign that takes place annually on 16 April. This year, our member organisations around the world are collectively calling on the United Nations to recognise this day as a global day dedicated to better protecting all children from sexual violence and abuse.
Breaking the silence, together
This is not an easy issue to talk about. But we believe it’s one we must face and change, step by step, together. Protecting boys from sexual violence strengthens the movement to protect all children.
Changing attitudes globally
Our research is used to spark important conversations and guide action around the world. As consultants to the United Nations, our members work alongside governments, media, and regional policy makers to make sure the protection of boys and young men is recognised as a priority.
Raising awareness
Every year, we come together for Blue Umbrella Day to shine a light on the sexual abuse and exploitation of boys. We challenge the harmful social norms that keep boys silent and inspire communities to protect them. Through events, advocacy, and education, we’ve reached over 1 million people worldwide, sparking conversations, shifting attitudes, and influencing policies.
Helping boys find their voice
Our members lead workshops, webinars, and events that teach boys what harmful sexual behaviours look like and how to ask for help. Together, we are breaking the silence and building a world where boys are protected — at community, national, and global levels.
The impact of this work
Global campaigns to call for better support for boys
People engaged in the issue through campaigning
Signatures collected to call for recognition
Countries in which Blue Umbrella Day has taken place
Organisations who have been involved in the campaign
Policies changed and amendments to laws made
Globally, the Blue Umbrella Day Movement is gaining momentum. All children deserve to live a life protected from harm.
Want to be involved?
This campaign and work is continuously evolving and growing. To find out how you can support or be involved, contact our Blue Umbrella Day campaign team below.
Policies
Connect
2025 Family for Every Child New Zealand Trust | Registration no. CC54645 | Company no. 2670471
2025 Family for Every Child is a charitable company limited by guarantee | Registered charity in England and Wales no. 1149212 | Company no. 08177641
2025 Family Alliance Inc. | Family Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation registered in NYS | EIN 46-5518730
