Howard Taylor, the Executive Director of the End Violence Partnership, spoke with BBC Africa's Mercy Juma about the impact of violence and abuse against children – and the need to increase investment toward evidence-based programmes to keep children safe. Howard Taylor also called for the end violence community to work together to make the human and economic case for investment, and the urgent need to catalyse political and financial commitments to end violence against children at home, in the community, at school and online.
"We know that one billion children experience violence, abuse and neglect every year," and Howard Taylor. "Sadly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that number is even higher. Violence of that scale is an epidemic in and of itself."
In the interview, Howard Taylor also discusses what is working to end violence against children, and touches on a few key End Violence initiatives, including our work to keep children Safe Online, Safe to Learn and Safe at Home through the Pathfinding process. In addition, Howard Taylor highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors, as both the private and public spheres have roles to play in ending violence.
This interview took place at the 2020 Accountability Breakfast hosted by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health.