It is estimated that globally up to 1 billion children are subject to violence each year. Violence against children has strong, long-lasting effects on brain function, mental health, health risk behaviours, noncommunicable diseases, infectious diseases such as HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, and social functioning. The direct and indirect economic costs of these effects are substantial, and violence against children undermines the potential of both individuals and societies.

Source: INSPIRE Handbook: Action for Implementing the Seven Strategies for Ending Violence Against Children (2018)