End Violence Against Children: David Beckham

David Beckham

A new film featuring UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham was released Monday to illustrate the brutal reality that physical and psychological abuse can mark children forever.

During the new 60-second UNICEF film, scenes of violence against children appear as animated tattoos on David Beckham’s body.

While Beckham’s own tattoos were marks chosen to represent happy or important memories, millions of children bear marks they have not chosen: the long-lasting scars of violence and abuse.

The animations in the film depict all too common forms of violence that boys and girls endure in spaces where they should be safe – their homes, schools, online and in their communities.

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Beckham said: “When I launched my 7 Fund with UNICEF, I made a commitment to do everything I can to make the world a safer place for children and to speak out on issues that are having a devastating impact on children’s lives. One of those issues is violence.”

Using U-report, a messaging tool that allows young people to report on issues affecting their lives, David Beckham invited youth to answer questions on violence against children.

More than 190,000 “U-Reporters” from 22 countries responded. Two-thirds of them said that they have personally experienced physical or verbal abuse or know somebody else who has.

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When asked who they think commits violence most often, one-third said police or law enforcement, 29 per cent said their peers, 28 per cent said a parent or caregiver and 9 per cent said teachers.

Approximately 80,000 U-Reporters provided suggestions on what can be done to address violence in their communities. The tragic consequences of violence affect all aspects of a child’s life and can be passed down from one generation to the next. Violence against children carries serious costs to all societies in every region of the world.

David Beckham and UNICEF are urging people to share the new film on social media platforms.

After 10 years as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in February 2015, making a commitment to helping the world’s most vulnerable children.

Photo / Video courtesy: UNICEF