Child Abuse and Neglect

In Macedonia children victims of sexual abuse are often left on their own with psychological disorders rising form the trauma of abuse. Although Centres for Social Welfare are those responsible to provide assistance in these children, they often don't have the capacities and competences to do so.

Slovakian organisation Center Slniečko from Nitra is carrying out a country - wide social campaign "Without bruises". The campaign's goal is to raise awareness of the problem of violence against children. It is estimated that from 500 to 600 children fall victims of abuse each year in Slovakia. The initiative includes a number of activities, one of them being raising funds in support of violence prevention programmes, crisis intervention centers and shelters.

On 1st January 2009 amended Law on social and legal protection of children and social care came into force in Slovakia. The law introduces ban on physical punishment of children and supplements previous regulations concerning prevention of crisis situations in the family. Moreover it broadens the scope of work of crisis intervention and rehabilitation centers, as well as other programmes concerning child protection.

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Launching event in Shumen

See it, Hear it, Say it campaign in Bulgaria started in November with a variety of events held in 11 towns, Shumen, Pazardjik, Pleven, Novi Pazar, Razgrad, Veliko Tarnovo, Trjavna, Stara Zagora, Gabrovo, Targovishte, organized by Social Activities and Practices Institute and its local partners. On this occasion the goals of the campaign and problem of physical abuse of children were presented to professionals, press and local communities.