Showing up where help often doesn’t

THE OBSTACLE: Protecting Children

Years of poverty, isolation, and a culture of silence have allowed violence against children to go largely unseen. For generations, children have been taught not to question adults or speak openly about what’s happening. Many fall behind in school or drop out — carrying that trauma with them.

Children should feel safe, seen and heard, yet in Paraguay, many live under violence, silence and fear.

“Many children remain silent because they’re afraid that if they speak up, they won’t receive support and no one will defend them,” says Alma.

Too many children are physically and sexually abused at home and are ignored when they try to speak.

As Children Believe Paraguay’s communications manager, Rosanna Menchaca says smiles often hide painful truths.

“Too often, children smile through struggles we can’t see — a reminder that poverty and suffering don’t look the same everywhere,” she says.

She recalls the story of another young girl who experienced abuse by a trusted adult — something she only understood years later. Stories like this are not rare. In Paraguay, most abuse happens in places children should feel safest: often in their homes and schools.

Above: Rosanna, pictured here in a classroom in Paraguay

Breaking the code of silence

Through Children Believe and local partners, children and adolescent groups like RCAN in Blas Garay, and ADDNA, an association that defends child rights, over 400 children have found help in Paraguay communities where we work.

“They have taught me that there is always someone who supports us,” says Alma.

This change is happening thanks to donor support, empowering families, schools, and communities to recognize and prevent violence, support survivors, and empower children to speak out. The change is evident in the community of Blas Garay, where Alma lives.

Through music, early learning, and community-led programs, children and youth now have safe spaces to gather and a social network enabling them to look out for one another. Together they build confidence, feel they belong, and trust they can speak up and be heard.

Caregivers are part of this work too, through Child-Friendly Accountability Group workshops that encourage respectful discipline and safer homes. Rosanna has seen the shift — with more children speaking up, more cases being reported.

Did you know?

In Paraguay, every two hours another child is abused. In all our work last year, Children Believe helped protect children in crisis supporting over 555,000 children, families, and communities through protection and prevention programs.

Read more inspiring stories like Alma's in our latest edition of ChildVoice!