CHRISTMAS MATCH APPEAL 2015 Make home a safe place for children this Christmas

Christmas should be a time of love and joy for children. A time for family. Not so for thousands of children in Central America who experience violence and abuse from the very people who should be taking care of them. NO SAFE PLACE

1 in 4 Guatemalan girls is beaten or physically mistreated by the age of 15. Each day in Costa Rica 150 children suffer from domestic violence. Latin America has the highest rate of homicides per person in the world. THE STATISTICS

WORKING TOGETHER FOR CHANGE It has a bold aim: to lower the rate of violence against children and young people through the active participation of churches. Viva’s city-based partner networks in six capital cities across Central America are working together on a new programme.

WE’RE ALREADY MAKING A DIFFERENCE Eleven-year-old Helena and her siblings grew up in in Guatemala City. Their mother took drugs and worked as a prostitute. It was no place for a child. Helena courageously told a teacher about the situation. Members of Red Viva Guatemala helped to rescue and counsel the children, and find them a temporary place of care. Their mother is receiving counselling in the hope her children could return home one day.

Together we want to: Work with families to prevent abuse and reduce violence in the community Restore children who suffered through violence and abuse, whether separated or still with family Change attitudes and behaviours in wider society HELP US TO DO MORE

Make a gift before Christmas Eve to make home a safer place for children – and it will be doubled by a generous Viva supporter! PLEASE GIVE NOW

CHRISTMAS MATCH APPEAL 2015 Make home a safe place for children this Christmas viva.org/christmasappeal