Violence against children is at endemic levels across Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste. Millions of children experience exceptionally high levels of physical, emotional and sexual violence, as well as neglect.

For the vast majority of children, this violence is occurring in a place where they should feel safest: their homes. Through five country-level case studies, this report reveals the stark reality of the magnitude of this violence.

These statistics starkly demonstrate the extent of the problem across the region. This ongoing violence robs children of their sense of self-worth, hinders their development and limits their ability to prosper and reach their full potential.
Many children exposed to violence live in isolation, loneliness and fear, with nowhere to feel safe and no one to turn to for help

Despite the clear evidence of the scale and gravity of violence perpetrated against children in the region, funders and policymakers have thus far failed to enact the measures needed to end this scourge. These children remain ‘unseen and unsafe’ within a system that has failed to invest in their safety.

For the first time, this report reveals the critical lack of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) invested by the Australian Government and other key donors in programs aimed at ending violence against children (EVAC). (From the Executive summary). See also the companion report providing in-depth country case studies (#6351) Record #6350