The Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Communication Faculty, Department of Public Relations and Advertising organized a walk to raise awareness about child abuse under the umbrella of the EMU Community Involvement Centre. The said walk commenced at EMU’s main entrance on the 10th of December 2019 and ended with a press briefing at the Atatürk Square. EMU Communication Faculty, Department of Public Relations and Advertising Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anıl Kemal Kaya stated that the walk took place in silence to raise awareness. A number of placards were also held throughout the walk. At the end of the walk, Department of Public Relations and Advertising Vice-Chair Asst. Prof. Dr. Umut Ayman made a press briefing higlihting the importance of the 10th of December, Human Rights Day. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ayman invited everyone to be sensitive about child abuse.
The press briefing of the EMU Department of Public Relations and Advertising read: “Today, we all came together as the EMU family to draw attention to the forms of child abuse that take place in many countries. Child abuse is one of the most dangerous social problems that harm the future of societies. Therefore, the people who were gathered today in front of EMU’s main gate, are all sensitive to the problems that took place in our society recently. Thus, we as the Public Relations and Advertising Department, think that it is our responsibility to raise our voices against child abuse. That is why we organize the awareness walk within EMU’s campus to raise our voice against all forms of child abuse which have been taking place not only in our own society but all over the world. Child abuse or violence against children includes forms of violence, i.e. physical, sexual and/or psychological maltreatment against people below the age of 18, whether perpetuated parents, peers, caregivers, or strangers.
“Protect Your Child Protect Your Future!”
Nowadays, because everyone is too focused on their own lives, they are not aware of what is going on in their environment. Unfortunately, child abuse is not far away from us. Therefore, everyone needs to react to these problems in society and make an effort to do something to eliminate them. Families have many responsibilities to prevent child abuse. Families need to be in good communication with their children at all times and make them feel confident to be able to discuss their problems with them. Child abuse is a crime. If we want to protect our future, children’s rights have to be protected. Healthy minds enlight healthy individuals and healthy individuals enlight healthy societies. “If you want to shed light on the future and society, don’t stay silent on child abuse! Protect your child! Protect Your Future!”
