The Vietnam Woman’s Union hosted a workshop on the role of parents in preventing child abuse on November 18, discussing relevant facts and figures as well as practical measures to address the pressing issue.

Participants considered neglect, limited social responsibilities and low levels of self-defence as the main reasons for violence against children.

Speaking at the event, representative of the union Pham Thi Tuyet Mai said despite playing a crucial role in raising and protecting the next generation, many parents did not properly understand children’s rights, while others used physical violence to discipline their children.

There is therefore an urgent need for more awareness raising programmes and parenting forums, she added.

According to Pham Quoc Nhat, an official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a recent research conducted by the ministry revealed that in Vietnam mothers were more likely to abuse their children than fathers.

He also noted that the government was implementing a programme against domestic violence this year in an effort to tackle the issue.-VNA