On the 24th of January, 2018, World Vision Zimbabwe launches a five year campaign on ending violence against children dubbed - “It Takes a World to end Violence against Children” which is aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against children. This is part of a global campaign that World Vision has rolled out in a number of countries. The focus in Zimbabwe is on ending sexual violence against children, seeking to catalyse a movement of people committed to keeping children safe from harm. As part of the campaign, World Vision and its partners will advocate to the local, national and global decision and policy makers to implement essential policy changes and increase funding for programmes to protect children. “World Vision acknowledges and appreciates efforts that have been made by the Government of Zimbabwe to date to align different pieces of legislation to the country's Constitution in protecting the girl child and other vulnerable groups in our society. However, the organisation would like to see more done towards a violence free environment for children in Zimbabwe,” says Mr. Emmanuel Isch, World Vision Zimbabwe National Director. The “It Takes a World to End Violence against Children” campaign comes at a time when violence against children in Zimbabwe is on the increase with recent media reports indicating a high number of rape and sexual violence cases dominating the courts. The Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey 2015 indicates that 14 percent of women aged 15-49 reported that they have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives, and 8 percent experienced sexual violence in the past 12 months. This campaign therefore encourages more to be done to put an end to child sexual violence. World Vision Zimbabwe calls upon everyone to make a difference. “It Takes a World to End Violence against Children” acknowledges that collaboration and harnessing resources, expertise and energy will create a better country for our children. The organisation compliments the Government as it steps up efforts towards the protection of children by providing additional resources to support vulnerable children and ensuring a conducive environment where they can access basic services, especially basic and fundamental rights such as education and the right to be protected. “Zimbabwe's policies must fully protect the rights and interests of children. Perpetrators of sexual violence against children must also face prompt justice,” says the World Vision Zimbabwe National Director. World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice for over 60 years. World Vision has dedicated its efforts to securing the well-being of children, promoting their rights and participation across 100 countries in which it works. In Zimbabwe, World Vision operates in 31 districts providing education, water and sanitation, a promote health and livelihoods support to communities. Our children, our future. We Must Protect Them! For interviews and more information contact: World Vision Zimbabwe 59 Joseph Road/ off Nursery Rd. Mt. Pleasant Harare. Tel: (+263) 4 301172/78/95 or 369027/8 Fax: (+263) 4 301330 Cell: +263 772 560 072 E-Mail: andrew_shamu@wvi.org or communications_zimbabwe@wvi.org Twitter: @WorldVisionZim Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldvisionzim/ Website: www.wvi.org/zimbabwe