Fighting violence against children in France

Dear Donor,

In France, the new school year has started 2 months ago, and we already raised awareness on violence against children among 126 pupils aged 12-13 years old - 64 girls and 62 boys. 

Our team has also welcomed a new member, Milou, who was a former volunteer co-animating the workshops. We let you discover her testimony below, and remain at your disposal for any further information.

Best regards,
The CAMELEON Team

• How did you hear about CAMELEON?

I came to know CAMELEON in 2020 when I was looking for an internship. One of my teachers told me about the organization, and after doing my own research I decided to contact the "Actions Ecoles" team that raises awareness among children. I identified with the values defended and was excited by the projects carried out. At the end of 2020, I became a volunteer and we have been in contact ever since.

• Why are you involved in combating sexual violence?

I would rather say that I am committed in a global way against physical and psychological violence. As a graduate of a Master's degree in Political Studies in the field of "violence and politics", the question of violence and the victim's perspective have been a common thread in my academic and professional career. Having worked with women victims of domestic violence, on gender equality issues, on prevention actions with children and with victims of terrorism, I am committed to fight against any kind of violence. Today, I am committed to working with CAMELEON to prevent violence against children because I believe the project is both useful and necessary. The figures on violence against children in France and the Philippines are staggering. Above all, and I think this is the most important thing, I am dedicated to protecting children.

• What are your missions?

As a Youth Program Officer, I co-animate prevention and awareness-raising workshops in schools for children and youth around 4 main themes: violence, gender equality, cyber-violence and international solidarity. I am responsible for the development of CAMELEON France's Youth Advocates, based on the model of the existing program in the Philippines. I am also in charge of the solidarity actions that schools wish to develop. 

• Why do you think it is important to raise awareness and do prevention with children?

In my opinion, raising awareness among children and doing prevention work in schools is necessary in order to strengthen or fill a knowledge gap on violence against children. Informing children about their rights and the means available to them to deal with a violent situation seems to be essential to make them conscious citizens and capable of asking for help if a situation makes them feel insecure. Let's educate children early and regularly to identify situations of violence, and the more we will be able to stem the tide of violence in our society. I sincerely believe that "prevention is better than treatment". Children are our future society. It is up to us, as adults, to inform, prevent, protect and educate children to a non-violent and caring society. I am firmly convinced that workshops in schools have the power to free the child's voice and open up the debate.

We must make the children actors by allowing them to express themselves and we will bring out their capacity to exercise their free will.