Preventing Sexual Violence
Sexual violence against children is a global crisis – yet it is often hidden, under-reported, and overlooked, especially when it affects boys. Around the world, millions of boys – about 1 in 6 experience sexual abuse, which impacts their physical, mental and reproductive health.
Breaking the silence around sexual violence is essential and Family for Every Child works with our global network of frontline organisations to:
Raise Awareness
We shine a spotlight on the issue of sexual violence against ALL children including boys, challenging harmful social norms and cultural taboos, and ensuring children’s voices are heard.
Campaign for Change
We advocate for stronger and inclusive laws, policies, and child protection systems that prevent sexual violence, protect ALL children including boys, and hold perpetrators to account.
Document What Works
We share promising practices and the positive interventions by those who are caring for boys who are survivors of sexual violence.
Support Practitioners
We provide tools, training, and guidance for those working directly with children – from teachers and social workers to healthcare providers and community leaders.
Develop Research
We conduct participatory research with communities and survivors of sexual violence.
Amplify Local Solutions
We support our members to share local knowledge, developing community-based approaches that respond to children’s needs in culturally sensitive ways.
Blue Umbrella Day Campaign
Each year on 16 April, Family for Every Child and our alliance of local civil society organisations lead Blue Umbrella Day – a global campaign to raise awareness of sexual violence affecting boys, and to promote the protection of all children.
The blue umbrella is a symbol of safety and shelter. On this day, communities, schools, organisations, and governments come together under the umbrella to:
- Challenge stigma and silence around sexual violence on all children, including boys.
- Raise awareness that boys, as well as girls, are affected.
- Promote action to strengthen child protection systems worldwide.
Since its launch, Blue Umbrella Day has been supported by organisations and communities in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond.
Blue Umbrella Day creates an opportunity for communities talk about how:
- Sexual violence can happen to any child, anywhere.
- Boys are often overlooked in prevention and response efforts.
- Silence and stigma prevent children, especially boys from speaking out and seeking help.
- Every community has a role to play in creating safe spaces where children are protected, supported, and believed.
Get involved
Our Changemakers for Children platform is a space for local people working with children and families to collaborate for children’s rights. We have a specific community on the site tackling sexual violence, known as the RISE community. We encourage any professional working with children and families worldwide to join, so together we can tackle this complex issue.
Related projects
Participatory Evaluation Toolkit
How We Care: Supporting Children with Problematic and Harmful Sexual Behaviours
