…Unicef reveals 60% in boys and 40% of girls experience abuse before turning 18
Sekete Lesaoana
MASERU; Lesotho – At least 60% of boys and 40% of girls suffer physical and sexual abuse before they turn 18, Unicef has said.
Sara Sgovgaard, Unicef’s Chief of Basic Education, Adolescent Development and Child Protection said this during the launch of a programme for national reporting and referral pathways on Wednesday. The programme is part of a wider National Child Protection Case Management System by Lesotho’s Youth ministry.
And speaking during the launch, Sgovgaard said among the children who endured physical violence in childhood, only half of the girls and even fewer boys disclosed the violence to anyone. Even more concerning, less than half of those children knew where to seek help, and only 5% sought assistance, with just 4% receiving any help.
The case management system is meant to offer critical benefits that help ensure the safety and well-being of children. One of the processes of case management is the referral of cases to different service providers to ensure that all children, regardless their background or circumstances, have access to consistent and high-quality services.
“We are honoured to witness the launch of Child Protection Referral Pathways. These pathways represent a key element in our joint commitment to advancing and upholding children’s rights. The referral pathways are not only fundamental to promoting and upholding children’s rights but also ensure that every child is safeguarded from harm and receives the care and support they need to thrive,” Sgovgaard said.
“Referral pathways are vital in securing the safety and well-being of children. They provide a structured approach to identifying, reporting, and responding to cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”
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An institutionalised case management system and a clear referral pathway, utilised by all services providers with clear roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder, is meant to promote a harmonised and collaborative process. The expectation is therefore that use of the manual would ultimately be expanded to other service providers in the child protection sector – both state and non-state actors.
Sgovgaard cited that through a holistic lens, the pathways addressed the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of children, ensuring access to comprehensive services like medical care, counselling, and legal assistance.
“To ensure the success of the Child Protection Referral Pathways, it is critical to focus on capacity building and community engagement.
“When children disclose violence, they often encounter professionals—such as educators, social workers, and justice officials—who are not fully equipped to respond. Continuous training for these professionals is essential to ensure that referral pathways provide the necessary framework for education and skill development, enabling all stakeholders to respond effectively to child protection issues,” Sgovgaard said.
Community involvement was equally important as referral pathways empowered communities by offering clear guidelines on how to report concerns and access support. Transparent and well-defined processes foster trust among children, families, and communities, while also ensuring accountability by clearly outlining roles and responsibilities within the child protection system, she said.
