World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence

World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence is observed each year on November 18. It draws attention to the harm caused by sexual exploitation, abuse and violence against children, while encouraging prevention, protection and healing for children and survivors.

How the day started

According to the United Nations, the General Assembly proclaimed November 18 as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence on November 7, 2022, through resolution A/RES/77/8. The resolution affirmed the need to prevent and eliminate these harms and promote the dignity, rights, health and healing of children and survivors.

The day is also an opportunity to speak about a difficult subject with care. Its purpose is not to sensationalize abuse, but to support children’s safety, uphold their rights and promote a response that treats survivors with dignity.

What prevention and healing mean

Prevention involves addressing the conditions that can expose children to exploitation, abuse and violence, and creating environments where children are safer. Families, schools, community groups and institutions all have a role. The United Nations notes that inequality, poverty and discrimination can contribute to situations that put children at risk.

Healing can look different for every child and survivor. The United Nations says sexual abuse can have lasting effects on children’s physical and mental health and well-being. Healthcare providers can offer an empathetic response that helps children and adolescents recover from trauma. Children should be listened to and treated with dignity, and adults should seek guidance from appropriate child-protection professionals when a child may be at risk.

The observance also highlights that responsibility belongs to adults and institutions—not to children. Preventing abuse requires efforts to eliminate and prevent all forms of child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence. Communities can help by supporting children’s rights, protection and access to care.

Ways to take part

Participation can be thoughtful and practical, whether you are a parent, educator, community member or organization. Consider these steps:

• Learn about safeguarding. Review child-protection guidance from a trusted local authority or established child-welfare organization, including how to report a concern where you live.
• Talk with children in an age-appropriate way. Discuss body boundaries, trusted adults and the right to ask for help. Keep the conversation calm and open, and remind children they can speak up without being blamed.
• Check the safety practices of groups you support. Schools, clubs and community organizations should have clear rules for protecting children, responding to concerns and reporting suspected abuse.
• Share reliable information. Use materials from recognized child-protection organizations, and avoid graphic details or content that could expose a child’s identity.
• Support survivors respectfully. Listen without judgment, respect privacy and encourage access to qualified support. If a child may be in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or the appropriate child-protection authority.
• Make space for awareness. A school, workplace or community group can mark November 18 with a staff briefing, a safeguarding review or a conversation about how to make its spaces safer for children.

Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 4, 2026 · Last updated November 4, 2026.

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