A powerful new film featuring UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham has been released to illustrate the brutal reality of child abuse.
During the film, scenes of violence against children appear as animated tattoos on Beckham's body, showing the long-lasting scars of violence and abuse.
"When I launched my 7 Fund with UNICEF, I made a commitment to do everything I can to make the world a safer place for children and to speak out on issues that are having a devastating impact on children's lives," Mr Beckham says.
"One of those issues is violence. Every five minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies from violence. Millions more are in danger of physical, emotional and sexual abuse that could destroy their childhoods forever."
The tragic consequences of violence affect all aspects of a child's life and can be passed down from one generation to the next, UNICEF says. Violence against children carries serious costs to all societies in every region of the world.
"Last year I visited Cambodia with UNICEF where I met and listened to children tell me about terrible violence they have experienced. I was shocked by what I heard and I saw how violence can leave deep and lasting scars. No child should have to endure this," Mr Beckham says.
"Yet in all corners of the world, in their homes, schools and on their streets, children are suffering similar violence. I hope this new project will draw attention to this urgent issue and inspire action. Violence against children is wrong and together we need to end it."
Learn more in UNICEF's report Hidden in Plain Sight: A statistical analysis of violence against children.
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