Protect boys from sexual abuse, UN urged

MANILA, Philippines —  Various groups called on the United Nations (UN) yesterday to ensure that boys are protected as much as girls from sexual abuse and violence.

“Boys are as vulnerable in the same way as girls. We must emphasize the need to globally recognize this advocacy,” Zenaida Rosales, executive director of the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), said.

Citing the National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children in the Philippines in 2015, Rosales said 81.5 percent of boys were subjected to abuse and violence in school, more than girls at 78.4 percent.

Boys suffered more psychological violence at 65.2 percent compared to girls at 60.4 percent.

More boys were also sexually abused (24.7 percent) compared to girls (18.2 percent).

Abuse of boys became prevalent due to cultural norms, with the perception that “boys will be boys and no one will believe that they were sexually abused,” Rosales said.

With this premise, the CPTCSA and global child welfare group Family for Every Child launched a signature campaign in Manila yesterday.

The groups urged the UN to declare April 16 of every year as “Blue Umbrella Day” or the International Day on the Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Boys.

In a message read during the launch, UN special rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children Mama Fatima Singhateh said, “there should be awareness on this issue among different stakeholders to better respond to the challenges of underreporting and associated stigma, while at the same time design services that address the specific needs of boys.”