Campaign launched – “Do everything you can so that no child becomes a victim of violence”

You want to address those affected on the one hand, but also adults on the other. Justice Minister Alma Zadić (Greens) referred to the three pillars of prevention, assistance and sanctions for the perpetrators. The aim is to sensitize adults to signs of violence and to convey the message to children and young people: “No one should hurt you, violence can never be justified.”

“Let’s take a closer look in the future”
“Violence can affect any child and we can encounter it everywhere – in the family, in public, in a club or at school. Child protection concerns us all. Therefore, let’s take a closer look in the future when children and young people change their behavior. Let’s ask more often if we suspect violence. Let’s listen better to children and young people. And let’s take them seriously when they confide in us.”

Family Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) also had a message ready: “Children are the most valuable thing we have in our society. It is our duty to protect them from violence and abuse. You are not alone and you have contact points everywhere near you.”

State Secretary for Youth Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) also wants to strengthen those affected: “The strongest instrument of the perpetrators is the shame of the abused. The only remedy against this is the knowledge of those affected. This child protection campaign aims to increase knowledge and awareness among children and young people that seizures are not normal and not okay, and to show them where they can get help.”

The vast majority consider violence against children to be physical violence, but there are several other forms of violence. According to statistics, in 2022 approximately 19,000 reports were made because children were victims of violence in one form or another (physical violence, sexual violence, deprivation of liberty, etc.).

However, according to information from child protection organizations, bullying and psychological violence at school or online are the most common experiences of violence reported by children and young people. Followed by psychological and physical violence in the family, including violence against the child’s closest caregivers, such as the mother.

To better protect children and young people from violence, the “No to Violence” campaign initiated by the federal government should also increase public awareness of the different forms of violence and strengthen children and young people’s awareness of their rights.