Today is International Missing Children’s day. A day to highlight missing children, those who have been found and those who have not yet been returned to their families. Since 2014 the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) has brought together over 20 countries from around the world to commemorate International Missing Children’s Day on 25th May.
More than 1 million children are reported missing every year, those children may be runaways, missing for unknown reasons or victims of family or non-family abductions. A large percentage of children who are reported missing return of their own accord after a short period of time however the longer the child is missing the more vulnerable they become. Children who are reported missing are vulnerable to sexual abuse, physical violence and criminal activity. In the UK an average 8% of runaway children experience some form of sexual assault while missing.
The definition of a missing child provided by ICMEC is any child under the age of 18 whose whereabouts are unknown. This includes those who have been abducted, abandoned, separated from their parents, or are runaways from a home that is not safe. Every child deserves to be safe and have the security of a caring and responsible adult. When a child is missing, no matter the circumstances, they are extremely vulnerable.
Each person has a role to play in providing children with a safer environment that protects children from the risks of abduction and abuse. The President and CEO of ICMEC stated “We, as responsible adults, should be aware of the issues that put children at risk and do all that we can to help keep them as safe as possible. We all need to be champions working together to protect each and every child. One child harmed is one child too many.”
Every individual must do all that they can to raise awareness of this cause as the welfare and safety of children is paramount. Every child deserves a caring and loving environment that they feel safe and protected within.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse or violence our experienced Abuse team are here to help. For a confidential discussion please contact our team on 0113 887 1834 or email Natalie.Marrison@ramsdens.co.uk.