Rizal town celebrate National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

By Lily Gut February 17, 2023 Participants from various elementary and secondary schools unveiled initiatives to strengthen the campaign aga...

By Lily Gut
February 17, 2023

Participants from various elementary and secondary schools unveiled initiatives to strengthen the campaign against all forms of child abuse at a recent event. (Photo from San Mateo Rizal Public Information Office/FACEBOOK)

SAN MATEO, Rizal - The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) here, in joint efforts with the municipal government, recently observed National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

In a message from Edwin Badion, a resource speaker for RSW, children are more likely to experience sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands of others who live next door to them, such as in their homes or communities.



"They were innocent, at risk, and in some cases hesitant to tell what happened because they were unaware of the course of action or terrified," he said.

"To prevent these incidences, we must protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse in order to provide a nurturing and safe environment for them," he added.



The "National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation," also known as "Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week (CSAAW)," was recognized in 1996 by Presidential Proclamation No. 731 series.

As a result, this observance was created to encourage vulnerable and innocent children to understand their rights, to know what is right and wrong, to ensure that they are acknowledged and cared for, and to hold those who abuse them accountable.