Advocacy
CPTCSA is committed to the elimination of child sexual abuse. This means a change from a system that creates and tolerates child abuse of any kind. In order to hold the system responsible, CPTCSA conducts ongoing presentations to communities, churches, political leaders, professional groups and as many stakeholders as possible. CPTCSA has produced a series of materials (posters, brochures, pamphlets, books, videos) for use during these sessions. Go to Research and Publication and click on the link to the catalog to review the array of materials for professionals, para-professionals, and non-professionals.
CPTCSA is among the leadership for the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Click here for the 2011 campaign and activities.
The practice of public adolescent circumcisions requires urgent attention. We do not question the cultural or socioeconomic circumstances surrounding the issue of male circumcision. Of immediate concern to us is how the procedures
are conducted and that they must abide by international child protection policy, medical ethics and code of conduct, and Filipino law.
Pictures below show numerous violations of medical code of ethics, child protection policy and Filipino law:
- The child’s right to privacy is violated
- The child’s dignity is violated
- Dissemination of the photographs (it is we who blacked out identity and private parts) is a form of child pornography
It is not difficult to rectify these gross violations:
- Place privacy curtains around each bed
- Allow only relevant medical personnel into the private area
- Do not allow pictures of any sort
- Treat the adolescent boys with respect and dignity
An affordable immediate option is that family members bring sheets with them and be the ones to hold them around the patient and ensure that no cameras and only medical personnel be allowed in the area. If you as an adolescent patient feel violated, let the accompanying medical personnel know how you feel.