“No Child Deserves to Be Hit” - Child Abuse Prevention Campaign in Incheon

On November 22, Shincheonji Incheon Church held a Child Abuse Prevention Campaign at the entrance of Songdo Central Park. This activity was organized during the Child Abuse Prevention Week (Nov. 19–25) and drew participation from about 80 Incheon citizens.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Korea, there were more than 50,000 child abuse reports last year, and many of these cases happened in the home. This highlights the importance of learning the difference between discipline and abuse.

Understanding the Difference Between Discipline and Abuse

During the event, citizens were given questions like:

• A child who didn’t do homework,

• A child who plays with food,

• A child who doesn’t listen to parents,

• A child who runs in a public place.

They were asked:
“Which child deserves to be hit?”

The answer was clear:
👉 No child deserves to be hit.

The volunteers explained that when we fail to distinguish discipline from violence, harm can happen without intending it.

Learning the ‘Blink Signal’ — A Sign for Help

Another key part of the campaign was teaching the ‘Blink Signal’, a distress signal children can use when in danger or experiencing abuse.

This is especially important because a high percentage of child abuse cases are caused by parents or guardians.
Giving children a safe way to communicate can save lives.

Voices From the Community

One participant said:

“I learned that hitting a child is not education. It really changed my thinking.”

Another person shared:

“I didn’t know about the Blink Signal before. I’m glad I learned something important today.”

Continuing the Effort

Incheon City is working towards becoming a ‘Zero Child Abuse City’, and Shincheonji Incheon Church plans to continue holding awareness campaigns across the region.

A church representative expressed hope that every child can grow up in a peaceful and safe environment.

Any child—no matter their mistake—deserves respect, safety, and patience. Education should build children up, not break them down. May awareness like this reach more hearts and help create a kinder world for every child.

Source: https://vo.la/Npk0Z80