The fear of not being believed, the fear of judgment and the lack of modern reporting mechanisms cause many children in Romania not to talk about the abuses they are going through, according to a study conducted by World Vision Romania.
The data presented by the organization shows that only 3 out of 5 children say they would talk to their parents if they were victims of abuse, and only half of them would notify the police.
According to the study, the main problem is not the lack of institutions or helplines, but the lack of trust that adults will take them seriously. Many children fear being judged, criticized or exposed to public humiliation, which is why they choose to remain silent.
World Vision Romania representatives warn that public reactions that question the testimonies of minors can have serious effects on other children in similar situations.
“When a minor reporting possible abuse is questioned in the public space, the effect goes beyond the individual case and may deter other children from reporting similar situations,” conveys the organization.
According to specialists, such speeches can discourage other victims from asking for help and contribute to the decrease of trust in protection institutions.
Call for responsibility from the authorities
The organization points out that people in public positions or positions of authority have a major responsibility in how they discuss cases involving minors.
Discourses that blame victims or minimize their experiences can profoundly affect children’s perceptions of safety and protection.
Where can children ask for help?
World Vision Romania reminds that minors in situations of abuse can call:
112, for emergencies;
119, the unique national number for reporting child abuse;
teachers, school counselors or other trusted adults.
Abuse reporting is moving online
The organization argues that protection mechanisms need to be adapted to digital realities, as many teenagers feel more comfortable asking for help through online platforms or confidential reporting systems.
In this context, World Vision Romania promotes the development of digital tools dedicated to children and adolescents, as well as education programs for abuse prevention and online safety.
The organization has also produced a digital protection guide that explains how children can recognize abusive behaviour, how to preserve evidence and what steps to take to seek help.
