Blue Umbrella Day (BUD) 2024 is set to make waves on April 16th as the world comes together to address a critical issue often overlooked: sexual violence against boys. Hosted internationally by Family for Every Child, this day serves as a beacon of awareness, rallying individuals and organisations to stand up, speak out, and act.
In a world where 1 in 13 boys experiences sexual abuse and many more face exploitation or inappropriate exposure, the need for concerted efforts to protect them has never been more urgent. The repercussions of these experiences echo through their lives, impacting their health, well-being, and society at large.
The focus of Blue Umbrella Day is clear:
- Raise Global Awareness: Shine a spotlight on the issue of sexual violence against boys on a global scale.
- Demand Appropriate Services: Advocate for services tailored to the needs of boys at the national level.
- Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with governments, policymakers, civil society organisations, and communities to effect change.
On Blue Umbrella Day, individuals and organisations worldwide are invited to join the movement, amplifying these crucial messages:
· Sexual violence affects boys too.
· We can and must do more to protect boys from sexual violence, both online and offline.
· Boys affected by sexual violence deserve better support and services to aid their recovery.
Key facts underscore the gravity of the situation:
· Despite its prevalence, sexual abuse of boys is often denied, misunderstood, or trivialised.
· Boys are less likely to report sexual violence, and their experiences are frequently overlooked as abusive.
· Legal protections for boys against sexual exploitation lag behind those for girls in many countries.
This Blue Umbrella Day, let us unite under the symbol of the blue umbrella, casting a protective shield over boys everywhere. Together, we can create a world where every child, regardless of gender, can grow and thrive with safety and dignity.
Join the campaign, find out more here: https://www.blueumbrelladay.org/
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