Hundreds march in Odisha against child abuse

Bhubaneswar, Nov 19 (IANS) Hundreds of people Monday participated in a march here to raise awareness about child abuse and its prevention.

Eminent citizens, film stars, social activists and government officials marched for about two km carrying placards and banners against child abuse, said People's Cultural Centre (PECUC), which organised the march to mark the 'World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse'.

"Although violence against children has been banned in some countries, there are countries where children do not have adequate legal protection," PECUC secretary Ranjan Mohanty told IANS.

"We organised the walk to convey the message that no violence against children is justifiable and all violence against children is preventable," Mohanty said.

Every year, as many as 150 million girls and 73 million boys worldwide are raped or subject to sexual violence, usually by someone in their family circle, he said.

He also pointed out that between 133 and 275 million children witness domestic violence annually.

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