DSWD supports creation of Break the Silence National Network to fight child sexual

MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday expressed full support to the launching of "Break the Silence (BtS) National Network" to address child abuse and exploitation problem in the country.

"The DSWD is one with the Stairway Foundation, Inc. and is one with all of you to break the silence (on child abuse and exploitation)," said Alicia Bonoan, DSWD Director of Protective Service Bureau during the launching held at Philippine Christian University in Taft, Manila.

Bonoan said that the launching marked the continuous boosting of efforts and partnerships with diffferent organizations gearing towards the said advocacy.

DSWD is the lead agency for the protection and promotion of the rights of the vulnerable and the disadvantage sectors of society such as children strongly support the call to end violence and abuse among them.

The launching of the BtS National Network aims to intensify public awareness on child sexual abuse and exploitation.

This movement consists of non government organizations, government agencies, faith-based groups, people's organizations, children's groups and individual advocates.

Together, they aim to put the sensitive issue to be out in the open wherein the victim/s can find the courage and seek help from the different members of the network so that said problem will be address and ultimately work together in creating a protective environment among children.

The launching of BtS also aims to capacitate members and partners to effectively do their roles in the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation as well as the necessary steps.

Leading the launching was Stairway Foundation, Inc. led by Lars Jorgensen, its executive director in cooperation with the Council for the Welfare of the Children (CWC).

CWC is an attached agency of DSWD.

It is the chair of the 21st National Awareness Week on the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation or the Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week (CSAAW).

The observance is supported by Presidential Proclamation No. 731 Series of 1996 which declares every 2nd week of February of each year as National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

The theme for this year celebration is "We are the Solution" which encourages convergence of actions of different sectors.

"No sector alone can address the issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation," said Jorgensen.

Also present in the launching were different organizations and members of BtS, Jan Top Christensen, Ambassador of Denmark, Lotta Sylwander of UNICEF, Atty. Alberto Muyot, Undersecretary of Department of Education, Patricia Luna, executive director of CWC, and others. (PNA)