Women and Children Protection Unit Holds Advocacy Lecture on Prevention of Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation

In celebration of the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation, the Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU) of Region 1 Medical Center held an advocacy lecture on February 28 at the PHINMA-University of Pangasinan.

WCPU Head Dr. Mary Gwendolyn Luna and Dr. Merliza Estariz led the lecture, which aimed to enlighten students on learning how to recognize and respond to instances of child abuse, bullying, and exploitation. The lecture also raised awareness regarding the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children, a growing concern in the digital age.

The event started with an opening message from Dr. Luna, who emphasized the importance of protecting children from abuse and exploitation. She highlighted the WCPU’s commitment to providing medical, legal, and psychological services to child victims of abuse.

Dr. Estariz, a child protection specialist, then discussed the different types of child abuse and the signs to look out for in identifying victims. She also shared tips on how to respond to instances of abuse and how to report them to the authorities.

The lecture also tackled the issue of bullying and its negative effects on children. Dr. Estariz emphasized that bullying should not be tolerated and that children should be taught how to be respectful and empathetic towards others.

The topic of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children was also discussed, with Dr. Estariz providing insights on how predators use the internet to groom and exploit their victims. She emphasized the need for parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and to report any suspicious behavior.

The advocacy lecture was well-received by the students and faculty members in attendance, with many expressing gratitude for the valuable information shared. The event was a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting children from abuse and exploitation.

The WCPU’s advocacy lecture is part of a larger effort to raise awareness and prevent child abuse and sexual exploitation. The National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation is a yearly event that aims to promote child protection and raise awareness on the issue.