Raissa Child Protection Initiative calls for action against sexual abuse

The Raissa Child Protection Initiative held a community durbar in Agbeve, Sowutuom, Accra, to raise awareness regarding child sexual abuse prevention and exploitation. The non-governmental organization emphasized that protecting children is a collective responsibility involving parents, caregivers, traditional authorities, and the broader community.

Founder Raissa Sambou urged adults to create safe environments where children can report uncomfortable experiences without fear of blame or punishment. She highlighted that both boys and girls are vulnerable to abuse and stressed the importance of teaching children about body boundaries and how to seek help from trusted adults.

Ms. Sambou also cautioned that perpetrators are often individuals known to or trusted by the victims. She appealed to community members to prioritize the welfare of children over the preservation of family reputations or relationships, encouraging the reporting of suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.