Violence against children is defined as all forms of violence against people under the age of 18; which may be perpetrated by parents, caretakers, peers, partners or even strangers. Types of violence vary from physical/ sexual/ psychological /emotional abuse; bullying; neglect in the family; child-trafficking; sale of infant; child labour; infanticide; and including forms of violence in the school; corporal punishment, school expulsion and other aggressions.

Therefore, proper approaches and measures to curb such issues are needed to ensure that all children are protected against any forms of violence as required under the UNCRC. Ongoing efforts are made by the OCC including to realise the Alternatives to Detention (ATD); resolution of bullying, corporal punishments and school expulsion; amendments to the Child Act 2001; as well as monitoring visits to places of detention for children. It is acknowledged and highlighted that every child, under any circumstance, should be seen as a victim first due given they are vulnerable and thus should be protected. Protection and preventive legislature inclusive of its implementation must be thoroughly enforced to ensure that children’s best interest prevails. It is within OCC’s framework to make sure the legislation and laws pertaining to children’s rights are used as intended, designed and designated such as Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which should be used for conviction and sentencing sexual offenders who had committed sex crimes towards children. The OCC remains steadfast in upholding its mandate to in protect children and continue to advise and persuade related agencies and bodies to believe and work for the same.