The Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (AACSGB) has called for urgent action to eliminate all forms of abuse against children in the country.
Mrs. Ufuoma Akpobi, Coordinator, AACSGB, Edo chapter, made the call in an interview with Benin on Thursday.
Akpobi said child abuse is a universal reality that exists in all societies and cultures.
She said that it negatively affects the well-being and productivity of children in their homes and communities.
”Cases of child abuse especially, sexually and trafficking are on the increase.
”We need strong laws to be enforced to punish perpetrators of child abuse to serve as a deterrent.
”Traditional and communities leaders should be involved in creating awareness on the effects of abuse on the child.
“The rate at which very tender children are abused by family members is alarming; most times the victims do not get justice because of the family cover-up,” she said.
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The AACSGB co-ordination proposed stricter laws against offenders to reduce the rate of child abuse and sexual molestation
“Counselling units should be strengthened and incorporated in schools to teach and counsel children on reporting sexual abuses,” she said.
