The torture and abuse of children behind bars are unpleasant truths that may not set us free from guilt, apathy and indifference. It is not only in the Philippines’ child detention centers called Bahya Pagasa that children and youths are maltreated. Many countries have reported serious child abuse in their detention facilities. Treating youth as criminals has a lifelong traumatic impact on them. One thing for sure is the loss of trust and respect for the adult world of authority that allows them to be abused. As the saying goes, “Abuse a child and you make an enemy.” Last June, Kak Sovann Chhay, an autistic 16-year-old son of a political activist in Cambodia, found himself on the spot for sending a message on the Telegram app that was considered insulting to ruling party officials. The police broke into his house without a warrant, handcuffed and arrested him.
The scourge of child abuse in Philippine detention centers – UCA News
The scourge of child abuse in Philippine detention centers – UCA News
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