Toward a world free from violence

This Global Survey conducted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children confirms that recommendations made in the 2006 UN Study on Violence against Children (VAC) are as urgent as they were at the time of the Study's release and continue to serve as a fundamental reference for child protection initiatives the world over. It highlights some progress including awareness raising laws and policies to prevent and address VAC. However, progress has been slow, uneven and too fragmented to bring violence to an end. Most children exposed to violence live in isolation, loneliness, and fear and do not know where to turn for help, especially when the perpetrator is someone close and on whom they depend for their protection and well-being. Governments must increase efforts to practice these recommendations identified in the 2006 UN Study to make them a reality for every child in every country. This comprehensive survey provides important examples of initiatives that successfully shield children from violence and address the attitudes that allow it to flourish. It is being issued as Member States deepen their efforts to define a post-2015 development agenda and ensure an appropriate institutional response.