Unseen, Unsafe: The underinvestment in ending violence against children in the Pacific and Timor-Leste

Unseen, Unsafe reveals the alarming scale of violence being perpetrated against children in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, and the critically low amount of funding being invested to address it.

Produced by Save the Children in collaboration with Child Fund, Plan International and World Vision, the report states that the drivers of violence in the region are complex, entrenched and inter-generational. It outlines a range of factors that contribute to the high levels of abuse, including;

• patriarchal societies with high levels of gender inequality;
• social acceptance of physical punishment against children; 
• low status in general of children; 
• weak institutional and governance systems; 
• and growing poverty and inequality.

The report outlines effective interventions that have positively influenced outcomes in the home, family, community, and broader society. It shows that measurable and long-term impact can be achieved if governments and donors are willing to work with NGOs, churches and community organisations across the region to prioritise and invest in local solutions.