How can we reduce mental impact of violence against children?

The report released by the UN special representative of the secretary-general on violence against children takes a closer look

Violence against children is commonly associated with physical abuse but the mental impact is often unseen and unreported. So, the United Nations’ special representative of the secretary-general on violence against children (SRSG) has published the report “Hidden Scars – how violence harms the mental health of children.”

“Violence against children is linked to a wide range of mental health problems. These include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance misuse, aggressive behaviour and impaired cognitive functioning,” notes the SRSG report.

Providing help to this underfunded issue is tough, especially when few young people seek help, but Hidden Scars reports there is some indication that the following will help:

  • maternal mental health, mother-infant interaction and play
  • community-based rehabilitation programs
  • life-skills training within schools

At Children Believe, we’re helping children better protect themselves by promoting healthy, safe and inclusive spaces for learning, equipping communities with knowledge and tools to protect young people’s rights, and by working with communities and government to end harmful practices, including child marriage and child labour.

Ensure children are being protected and heard. Learn how.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

About Inspiring Stories

May 2025

Canada’s Opportunity to Lead: Education as a Path ...

As the G7 Summit approaches, Children Believe CEO Fred Witteveen calls on Canada to lead the world in supporting 12 years of quality education for all children—because education is key to global peace and prosperity.

May 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

A new government program in Ghana is providing free sanitary pads to help girls stay in school. Learn how Children Believe is supporting this initiative to break down barriers and fight period poverty.

May 2025

From Despair to a New Dawn Varalakshmi’s Story of ...

A moving story of resilience—learn how Varalakshmi overcame poverty, loss and stigma to build a better life for her children with the support of Children Believe and its local partner in India.