A total of 1.8 billion children live in the 104 countries where violence prevention and response services have been disrupted due to COVID-19. The effects on service delivery are likely exacerbated in contexts where child protection systems were already weak prior to the pandemic. In times of crisis, governments should prioritize maintaining or adapting critical prevention and response services to protect children from violence. Social service professionals must also be acknowledged as a critical part of the COVID-19 response for children, thereby recognizing these unsung heroes and the vital support they offer to children and families.
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