Ace archer and UNICEF celebrity supporter Deepika Kumari today joined hands with the Jharkhand Police in the fight against violence and abuse against children in the state.
The three-month long campaign aims to create awareness about child violence and abuse and how to protect children, UNICEF, a partner in the campaign, said in a release.
Speaking to over 1,000 adolescent girls during a programme at the Sacred Heart Covent School, Jamshedpur, Deepika said, "Violence and sexual abuse against children is everywhere and it occurs every day, we ignore it, turn a blind eye to it.
"We must raise our voice against children. Child abuse adversely impacts physical and mental development in children and the damage caused is often irreversible."
She called on the children to report violence and abuse against them or their friends to an elder; someone they can talk to and trust. It is the duty of elders including parents and teachers to support the children, she said.
Deepika shared the helpline number 8877444444, where reports of violence and abuse against children, child labour, child marriage, child trafficking, missing children and other incidents can be reported, the release added.
