Ending corporal and humiliating punishments – A manual to inform and empower fathers, mothers and caregivers of children

The cornerstone of this manual is the concept that children have the right to a safe and protective environment. They have the right to grow up in families that are free of violence and receive the care they need to develop. These rights are set out in the Convention of the Rights of the Child, a binding agreement under international law. Many countries have also developed specific national legislation to protect the rights of children. In Brazil, these rights are set out in the Statute for Children and Adolescents (Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente). This manual is a tool that can be used by professionals from different fields who wish to involve families in a process that reflects and raises awareness on corporal and humiliating punishments against children. It was especially developed for staff that work with, or would like to work with, families on the issue of child raising. The manual includes a range of ideas, recommendations, activities and exercises to assist those who work with fathers, mothers and caregivers of children ages 0 to 12, to encourage people to reflect on and even change their concepts, behavior and attitudes on how to raise and educate children.