Atingeri Nedorite

”Unwanted Touches” is a national awareness and prevention campaign aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and empowering them to recognize and report inappropriate behavior. The campaign focuses on educating children, parents, and communities about the realities of sexual abuse and the importance of speaking out. In order to protect themselves, children must understand that sexual abuse is punishable by law and that it goes beyond forced sexual intercourse. It also includes unwanted or uncomfortable touching, being forced to view sexual images or films, as well as humiliation, harassment, manipulation, or threats involving intimate parts of the body. By raising awareness and encouraging open conversations, the campaign seeks to inform and mobilize communities to take action. In nearly 8 out of 10 cases of sexual abuse, the victims are girls. Moreover, there is a worrying decrease in the age of victims: over 75% of the cases reported to the Child’s Helpline 116111 involve children between the ages of 6 and 12. Speaking out requires immense courage, especially for young victims. When more voices—both survivors and those who are aware of such cases—come forward, harmful misconceptions, judgment, and stigmatization can be challenged. The “Unwanted Touches” campaign plays a vital role in fostering this change and creating a safer environment for children