𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘

𝗖𝗪𝗖 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: “𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻: 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻!”

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is calling on the public to join the fight against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC). Research underscores a harsh reality: many OSAEC cases involve perpetrators who are parents, relatives, or close family acquaintances.

Data from the Philippine Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime and SaferKidsPH highlight the alarming prevalence of OSAEC:
• A 2022 study revealed that 1 in 5 Filipino children aged 12 to 17 has experienced OSAEC, translating to two million victims annually.
• In 2023, more than 2.7 million CyberTipline reports were filed, mostly related to the possession and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).

OSAEC flourishes due to the misuse of digital technologies, coupled with societal pressures, poverty, and the ease of secure online transactions. While families are the primary protectors of children, economic and social challenges heighten vulnerabilities.

To address this pressing issue, the CWC, in collaboration with the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA) and other members of the Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week (CSAAW) Technical Working Group, is launching the 2025 CSAAWcampaign. This year’s theme, “Maging Solusyon: Labanan ang Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children!” highlights the importance of collective action in combating OSAEC and empowering families to protect their children from harm.

The observance of CSAAW is a nationwide initiative pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 731, s. 1996, which declares the second week of February as the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

Activities and Invitation to Participate
The CWC invites the public to take part in this year’s campaign through the following activities:
• Makabata Teleradyo Program: Tune in on February 10, 2025, for a special broadcast highlighting the dangers of OSAEC and the importance of family and community involvement.
• Community Forum: Join us on February 11, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN in Metro Manila for an engaging forum with parents, barangay leaders, teachers, and other stakeholders. This event will focus on awareness, prevention, and the role of families and communities in protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.

These initiatives aim to empower individuals, promote community collaboration, and provide access to support services for victims and families under R.A. 7610 and R.A. 11930.

The CWC urges everyone to take part in these activities and stand united against OSAEC. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate society for children.