Dear Readers,
We are pleased to announce that starting this month, you can support the growth of our newsletter through financial contributions. Our goal is to make our content more engaging and interesting for our readers.
Additionally, 25% of every contribution will be donated to the Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę (FDDS), which is dedicated to protecting children from violence and harm, and supporting them in difficult life situations. Furthermore, 1% of the contributions will go towards initiatives aimed at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus supporting environmental protection efforts.
History of the Foundation
Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę (FDDS), previously known as the Nobody’s Children Foundation, is a non-profit organization established in 1991 in Poland. Its primary mission is to protect children from violence and sexual exploitation. Since its inception, the foundation has consistently expanded its efforts, becoming a leader in child protection in Poland.
FDDS provides support to children who have been victims of violence and their families. Its programs include psychological and therapeutic assistance, legal support, education on violence prevention, and social campaigns aimed at raising awareness about child safety issues.
In 2016, the foundation changed its name to "Empowering Children Foundation" to better reflect its mission and commitment to strengthening children and their families in the face of challenges and adversity.
FDDS collaborates with numerous partners, including public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies focused on child protection.
Through these collaborations, the foundation effectively addresses issues related to violence and sexual exploitation among children, promoting the idea of a safe and respectful environment for the youngest members of society.
About the Foundation
Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę (FDDS) is a leading non-governmental organization in Poland dedicated to protecting children from violence and sexual abuse. Here is a detailed overview of their activities and initiatives:
Direct Support for Children and Families: FDDS operates Child Advocacy Centers in Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Starogard Gdański, and coordinates a network of nine Child Advocacy Centers in locations such as Białystok, Głogów, Lublin, Łódź, Sosnowiec, Starogard Gdański, and Wrocław. In these centers, children who have been victims of crime and their caregivers receive specialized assistance under one roof, including psychological, legal, and medical support, as well as a friendly environment for child interviews during criminal procedures. The foundation also runs the Lighthouse Parent Support Center, which focuses on protecting young children (up to 6 years old) from harm through education, support, and therapy for parents.
Education and Training: FDDS organizes training for professionals working with children, such as teachers, psychologists, doctors, and social workers. These training sessions aim to enhance skills in recognizing and responding to cases of child abuse and sexual exploitation.
Social Campaigns: The foundation conducts extensive educational and informational campaigns to increase public awareness about child abuse issues. Campaigns like “Close to the Phone – Far from the Child,” “Not Indifferent. React to Child Abuse,” “Protect the Child Online,” and “Don’t Look Away” aim to change societal attitudes, promote healthy family and community relationships, and highlight the impact of responding to child abuse.
Research and Analysis: FDDS also engages in scientific research on child abuse and evaluates the effectiveness of its programs and actions. The findings from these studies are used to improve working methods and recommend changes in child protection policies and systems in Poland.
The activities of the Empowering Children Foundation are based on long-term commitment to helping victimized children and preventing violence, advocating for the safety and respect of every child.
Key Research
The Empowering Children Foundation (FDDS) regularly conducts research on violence against children. Here are some of their key reports:
"Violence Against Children in Sports": This study examined the scale and nature of violence that children experience in the sports environment. It highlighted that young athletes are often subjected to various forms of physical and psychological abuse by coaches, peers, and even parents.
"Diagnosis of Violence Against Children in Poland 2023": This report presents current data on violence against children in Poland. The study reveals that domestic violence, peer violence, and sexual abuse remain prevalent issues. The report includes recommendations for preventive and intervention measures.
"Children Count 2022": This comprehensive study provides data on various forms of violence and neglect that children in Poland face. The report includes statistics and analyses that help understand the scale of the problem and identify areas requiring special attention.
"Report on Attitudes Towards Physical Punishment and Its Use": This research analyzes societal attitudes towards the use of physical punishment on children and its impact on their development. The findings show that despite growing awareness of the negative effects of physical punishment, it is still practiced in many families.
"Negative Experiences of Youth During the Pandemic": This report investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of young people. The results indicate an increase in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, related to social isolation, remote learning, and the general uncertainty associated with the pandemic.
For more information and details about the activities of the Empowering Children Foundation, visit their official website at fdds.pl
Child sexual abuse is an issue that affects hundreds of thousands of children worldwide, including in Poland. It is one of the most severe crimes, with far-reaching physical, psychological, and social consequences for the victims. Understanding the scale of the problem, risk factors, consequences, and preventive measures is crucial for effectively combating this issue. The data presented in this article is based on research conducted by the Empowering Children Foundation (FDDS).
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse
According to various studies, child sexual abuse is a widespread issue in Poland. Statistics indicate that one in five children may have experienced sexual abuse, including both molestation and rape. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported due to the victims' fear of repercussions, shame, and lack of trust in the legal system.
Risk Factors
Victim Profile
Children of various ages can fall victim to sexual abuse, but it most commonly affects girls aged 7 to 15. Younger children are particularly vulnerable due to their limited ability to recognize abuse and lack of skills to report it.
Perpetrator Profile
The perpetrators are often people close to the child—family members, neighbors, teachers, and caregivers. Studies indicate that abusers are usually individuals the child knows and trusts, which further complicates the detection and reporting of these crimes.
Consequences of Abuse
Physical Effects
Victims of sexual abuse may suffer physical injuries, such as damage to genital organs, sexually transmitted infections, and long-term health problems like chronic pain or reproductive system issues.
Psychological Effects
The psychological impact of sexual abuse is often more severe and long-lasting. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trust issues, and difficulties in social relationships. Many children struggle academically and exhibit self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or suicide attempts.
Preventive Measures
Education
Education is a crucial component in preventing sexual abuse. Educational programs targeted at children, parents, and teachers teach how to recognize threats and respond appropriately. It is essential for children to know their rights and where to seek help. Education should also include lessons on body boundaries and reporting inappropriate behaviors.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Public awareness campaigns aim to increase understanding of sexual abuse and promote changes in societal attitudes. Through media, workshops, training sessions, and other forms of communication, these campaigns strive to reach a wide audience, teaching them how to recognize and respond to sexual abuse. Campaigns such as "Don't Be Indifferent" and "Stop Sexual Violence" are key in the fight against this issue.
Support for Victims
Psychological Support
Victims of sexual abuse require comprehensive psychological support to cope with their trauma. Individual therapy, group therapy, and family support are crucial for the healing process. Psychological help should be available immediately after the crime is reported, and its duration and intensity should be tailored to the victim's needs.
Legal Support
Victims often need legal assistance to assert their rights and seek justice. Non-governmental organizations and government institutions provide legal aid, including advice, court representation, and support during the reporting process. It is vital for victims to have access to competent lawyers who specialize in sexual abuse cases.
Need for Systemic Changes
To effectively combat child sexual abuse, systemic changes are necessary. Stricter legal regulations must be implemented to severely punish perpetrators, and comprehensive support for victims must be ensured. Increasing funding for education and public awareness campaigns and developing support networks for victims are also essential.
Society plays a crucial role in preventing sexual abuse. Raising awareness, actively responding to signs of abuse, and supporting victims can significantly reduce the scale of the problem. Everyone should be aware of their duties and responsibilities in protecting children from violence.
Summary
Child sexual abuse in Poland is a serious issue that requires immediate and coordinated action. Education, public awareness campaigns, and support systems for victims are crucial in combating this phenomenon. Systemic changes and active societal involvement can significantly improve the situation for children at risk of sexual violence. It is important not to trivialize this problem and for everyone to feel responsible for protecting the youngest members of society.
On our website, you’ll find links supporting our newsletter, the FDDS Foundation, and eco-friendly initiatives. Join us in creating a better future together! Your support makes a real difference in our community and environment.
For more information, visit: