Global factors affecting child trauma and the need for ongoing child advocacy

Abstract

Trauma has accompanied mankind since time immemorial, the brunt of it often carried by children: the weakest and most vulnerable. In the first part of this report seven important global factors affecting child trauma (inequity; childhood injuries; violence against children; road traffic crashes; alcohol; child labour; children in war) are discussed briefly in order to sketch the extent of the catastrophe. In view of this, the need for active and ongoing advocacy is highlighted in the second part. In order to motivate for ongoing advocacy, an example is provided of what can be achieved with limited resources.

Keywords:

• advocacy
• childhood
• disasters
• trauma