Cuddles can't talk, you can!
This week is the week against child abuse. A week in which the whole of the Netherlands, and Limburg in particular, will reflect on the importance of children having the right to grow up safely. Unfortunately, this is still not a reality for every child. In every class there is still on average 1 child that comes into contact with domestic violence.
A first step toward a safe(er) home situation, is talking about what is happening. For a child, this can be very exciting, difficult or even impossible. Because it doesn't work out. Because it doesn't feel safe. Out of feelings of guilt or shame or fear of possible consequences. And that trusted cuddly toy, to which the child usually tells his or her secrets, cannot talk! That's why the Movement against Child Abuse (Beweging Limburg Tegen Kindermishandeling), in cooperation with all municipalities in Limburg, the Province of Limburg and Safe Home South and North and Central Limburg, has launched a campaign to draw attention to child abuse.
On Monday, November 20, hugs went out across Limburg to call attention to fighting child abuse. At all town halls and a number of organizations involved, a cuddle stands silently asking for attention and making an appeal to all Limburgers to speak out if you recognize child abuse in your immediate environment. We cannot expect children to always be able to ask for help when they are in an unsafe situation.
No matter how difficult it is sometimes, together we can break the silence. You too!
Do you see, hear or suspect child abuse? Ask for advice, even if you suspect or have doubts. Find out how you can recognize child abuse and download the child abuse report card at https://veiligthuiszl.nl/knuffels or call 0800-2000.
