Violence against Children and Adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean: New data and solutions

Description

 Every child and adolescent has the right to grow up free from fear, neglect and violence. Yet across Latin America and the Caribbean, far too many still face violence in their homes, schools, communities and online. These acts are not isolated. They are part of a wider pattern that harms children, families and societies — eroding trust, learning, health and opportunity. This report, produced by UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), shines a light on the realities children and adolescents face in our region today. It brings together the latest data on armed violence, violent discipline, sexual violence, bullying and online harms — and highlights proven solutions that are already making a difference. Across Latin America and the Caribbean, communities, governments and organizations are showing that change is possible. Strong laws, evidence-based prevention programmes, better data, and coordinated action between health, education, justice and protection systems are helping to break the cycle of violence and give every child a fair chance to thrive.