El problema
One in six boys experience sexual violence, yet stigma, harmful gender norms and persistent systemic gaps keep their suffering invisible. Without stronger support for boys, families and communities to face the issue, boys worldwide are left without the help they need to cope, survive and thrive.
16th of April is the International day to protect
boys from sexual violence.
Break the Silence.
Protect Boys.
Strengthen Families.
Sexual violence affects boys, too. We need to break the silence and the stigma at the community level.
Around the world, 1 in 6 boys experiences sexual abuse. Many more are exploited or exposed to inappropriate sexual materials.These experiences have long-term negative consequences on boys’ wellbeing and effects can be felt throughout society.
Protecting boys cannot be separated from strengthening families and communities. We know that protecting boys strengthens families and stronger families protect children. When we challenge harmful gender norms and support healthier models of masculinity, we create environments where children can actually grow, heal and thrive.
There’s more we can do to prevent and protect boys from sexual violence… both online and offline.
We need to listen to survivors, break the silence in our communities, strengthen families so they can support boys to heal, and develop gender-sensitive policies and services to prevent and respond to sexual violence against all children.
On 16th of April, Blue Umbrella Day, we remind the world that boys need access to support and services that can help them recover, too.
Boys affected by sexual violence need better support and services to help them recover. We need change at the system level, too.
Child protection systems must become more gender-sensitive and recognise boys as victims of sexual violence. The specific barriers that boys face when accessing to support need to be broken down.
This requires intentional investment in research, resources and services that better understand and respond to boys’ experiences.
By strengthening evidence, policies, and support mechanisms, systems can become more inclusive and effective in protecting all children.
Los niños varones que sufren violencia sexual son:
menos probable que las niñas a pedir ayuda
más propensos a tener problemas en relaciones futuras
impactados negativamente física y mental
Collective advocacy can change the world
Join the Blue Umbrella Day Campaign in 2026
In 2026, over 27 member organisations of the global Family for Every Child alliance are once again getting together to collectively call for better support for boys and young men. Together, we are breaking the silence and the stigma. Join the global campaign, and our collective call:
– 16 April is the International day to protect boys from sexual violence.
– Break the Silence. Protect Boys. Strengthen Families.
