Queen Silvia demands urgent action to protect children from hidden violence
Queen Silvia of Sweden has called for stronger protections for children facing violence. The 82-year-old monarch spoke at a conference in Germany, where experts highlighted the scale of abuse and the need for better support. She warned that many cases remain hidden, leaving victims without help for years. Queen Silvia, who has served as Sweden’s queen since 1976, founded the World Childhood Foundation in 1999. Born in Heidelberg and raised partly in Brazil, she has spent decades meeting children whose rights were violated—often in silence. She described child protection as a measure of society’s health and the strength of its legal systems.
At the event, experts stressed the urgency of the issue. Elke Büdenbender, wife of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, called child sexual abuse a widespread problem requiring coordinated action across government departments. Kerstin Claus, Germany’s Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues, warned about the risks children face online, particularly through social media. Astrid Helling-Bakki, the foundation’s executive director in Germany, revealed that nine out of ten cases of violence against children go unreported. The conference also focused on practical steps, such as training teachers and coaches to spot warning signs and respond effectively. Physical abuse, sexual violence, and emotional mistreatment were all cited as forms of harm affecting young people.
The discussions highlighted the need for better detection and support systems. Queen Silvia’s foundation and German officials agreed that stronger measures must be put in place to protect vulnerable children. Without action, experts warned, many victims will continue to suffer without intervention.
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