Violence against children is one of the biggest problems affecting families and societies. It happens all around the world, in all countries and societies; all too often it happens in the family.
Violence against children has many faces and forms: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, emotional abuse, and more.
Violence can affect a child for the rest of their life, with severe consequences for a child’s physical, psychological, and mental health. Without adequate support and care, violence and trauma can have long-term effects on a child’s development and future life.

Children who have experienced violence are also more likely to perpetuate the circle of violence, passing on patterns of violence to their peers or to future generations.
Therefore, ending violence against children is not only important for each child’s rights, but also for healthy communities and societies. Putting an end to all forms of violence – in families, at school, in communities, and states torn by conflict – is of crucial importance for children’s rights and well-being, and a sustainable future.

Violence against children is a human rights violation, as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child confirms in Article 19. In spite of the many international and regional treaties that protect children's rights, violence against children remains widespread. It occurs in every country in Europe, irrespective of people's geographical origin or social stratum. Albeit in different degrees, violence can deprive children of their well-being and the ability to learn and socialize normally, and it can have devastating effects on their adult lives.

The two main forms of violent discipline are corporal punishment and psychological violence.

According to UNICEF, physical discipline, also known as ‘corporal punishment’ refers to any punishment in which physical force is used to cause any degree of pain or discomfort. It includes, for example, pinching, spanking, hitting children with a hand, or forcing them to ingest something.

Violent psychological discipline involves “the use of verbal aggression, threats, intimidation, denigration, ridicule, guilt, humiliation, withdrawal of love, or emotional manipulation to control children”.

in short, Violence against children takes many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and may involve neglect or deprivation. Violence occurs in many settings, including the home, school, community, and over the Internet. Similarly, a wide range of perpetrators commits violence against children, such as family members, intimate partners, teachers, neighbors, strangers, and other children. Such violence not only inflicts harm, pain, and humiliation on children; it also kills.