“Less visible, but even more widespread, is the legacy of day-to-day, individual suffering. It is the pain of children who are abused by people who should protect them, women injured or humiliated by violent partners, elderly persons maltreated by their caregivers, youths who are bullied by other youths, and people of all ages who inflict violence on themselves. This suffering – and there are many more examples that I could give – is a legacy that reproduces itself, as new generations learn from the violence of generations past, as victims learn from victimizers, and as the social conditions that nurture violence are allowed to continue. No country, no city, no community is immune. But neither are we powerless against it. Violence thrives in the absence of democracy, respect for human rights and good governance.”
- Nelson Mandela (WHO’s World Report on Violence & Health)
Violence and abuse affect all kinds of people every day world over. It doesn’t matter what race or culture you come from, how much money you make, or if you have a disability. It may take the form of physical and emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. Violence against anyone, in any form, is a crime, regardless of who committed the violent act. It is always wrong, whether the abuser is a family member, a current or past spouse, friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.
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