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FriApr 11

Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse – April 11, 2025

Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse is observed every year on April 11 to raise awareness of sexual abuse perpetrated on children and to build a strong community to end it. The day was started by The Innocence Revolution, an organization that has been combating sexual abuse worldwide and was founded by Jill Starishevksy and Tom Scales. Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse was first observed in 2013, and events were hosted and organized in more than 30 countries and more than half the states in the U.S. to prevent child abuse.

History of Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse

The first organization in the world devoted to child protection was formed in 1875 and was named the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC). In 1874, 9-year-old Mary Ellen Wilson was being neglected and beaten by her guardians, and Etta Wheeler, a missionary, after learning of her plight decided to step in. Wheeler asked for assistance from various sources and eventually sought out Henry Bergh, the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and thanks to his help, she was able to rescue Mary Ellen.

Henry Bergh lamented that there was no agency to help children and decided to form NYSPCC in 1875. After NYSPCC, about 300 non-governmental child protection societies were formed by 1922. In Chicago, in 1899, the first juvenile court was set up, and by 1919, almost all states in the U.S. had juvenile courts. By the 20th Century, the need for a public child welfare agency increased, and in 1912, the Federal Children’s Bureau was created. This was followed by the Sheppard Towner Act, which from 1921 to 1929 provided federal money for health services for mothers and babies.

By the 1950s, the non-government child protection services were almost diminished, and by 1967, nearly all states had laws that placed responsibility for child protection in the government’s hands. Interest in providing services for children started in astonishing numbers in the 1960s after physicians started to write about child abuse. In 1962, Henry Kempe published the article ‘The Battered-Child Syndrome,’ which gathered media and public attention. In 1962, Congress emphasized child protection and amendments to the Society Security Act 1962, and it required states to make child welfare services available statewide.

Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse timeline

1875
The First Organization for Child Protection

The first organization in the world devoted to child protection is formed and named the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC).

1899
The First Juvenile Court is Set Up

In Chicago, the first Juvenile court is set up, and almost all states in the U.S. have juvenile courts.

20th Century
The Federal Children’s Bureau is Created

The Federal Children’s Bureau is created, which is followed by the Sheppard Towner Act, which provides federal money for health services for mothers and babies.

In 1962
The Society Security Act Amendments

Congress emphasizes child protection and amendments to the Society Security Act, and it requires states to make child welfare services available statewide.

Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse FAQs

What is child abuse?

It is harm or intention to harm a child who is under the age of 18.

How to stop abuse?

Always try to understand the children and give them a violence-free home.

What is bad parenting called?

It is called toxic parenting or a parent who does not consider their child’s needs but rather puts their own needs first.

How to Observe Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse

  1. Read up

    Read up about the general laws for child protection. Find out ways to protect children and what rights they have.

  2. Raise awareness

    Raise awareness about the severity of child sexual abuse. Teach people ways to fight it.

  3. Start Petitions

    Form a worldwide community and start petitions and marches to stop this crime. Connect with the world and find out ways to help children.

5 Facts About Child Sexual Abuse

  1. Child sexual abuse is very common

    In the U.S., there are 42 million survivors of child sexual abuse.

  2. Gender matters

    About one in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused before age 18.

  3. Children are at risk

    Children under the age of 17 form 70% of reported sexual assaults.

  4. Victims usually know the perpetrator

    The perpetrator is known to nearly 90% of victims.

  5. Abundant number of registered offenders

    Nearly half a million sex offenders are registered in the U.S.

Why Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse is Important

  1. It raises awareness

    This day raises global awareness about the severity of the crime. It reminds us to be better to our children and to protect them.

  2. It brings people together

    This day strengthens bonds between people and gives them hope. People share pain and tears. This day gives people the courage to fight for a better future.

  3. It brings change

    It gives them knowledge and hope, which brings forth change. People learn and change and fight for the cause, which gives children better lives.

Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse dates

Year Date Day
2025 April 11 Friday
2026 April 11 Saturday
2027 April 11 Sunday
2028 April 11 Tuesday
2029 April 11 Wednesday