Most Romanian parents still use physical violence to discipline their children. In 63% of the Romanian families, parents correct children’s behavior problems or mistakes by beating them, according to a recent sociologic study conducted nationwide by Save the Children Romania organization.

In such families, children get to learn directly from their parents that violence solves problems, and they might use this behavior in future relationships with colleagues, friends, future partners, and prospective families.

According to data from the National Authority for Child Protection and Adoption, more than 12,500 cases of child abuse were officially reported in 2014, 93% of which took place within the family.

Beating the children also has consequences throughout their lives. The children may become anxious, depressed, or they can become aggressive, leave school, and start using different substances.

Between 2009 and June 2015, Save the Children Romania offered evaluation services and programs, as well as psychological therapy, to more than 13,000 children coming from disadvantaged environments where domestic violence is a constant. A statistic analysis of this group showed that 62% of the children had aggressive behaviors and had difficulties in managing their anger, 47% of them learned to lie, and 18% of children with a history of abuse in the family were strongly dependent on the parents.

Save the Children Romania launched on October 7 a new campaign to combat violence against children. The campaign will have a media component of public awareness through a TV video clip, and an educational component that features a series of eight parenting conferences that aim to promote positive methods of child education.

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Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com