The U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution this week establishing November 18th as World Day for Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. Championed by the Global Collaborative with PCA America as a founding partner, the new World Day will mobilize civil society and governments to act to prevent child sexual abuse (CSA) and formally recognize the challenges experienced by CSA survivors. The resolution, which was sponsored by Sierra Leone and Nigeria and co-sponsored by more than 110 countries, was adopted by consensus and a bang of the gavel by the assembly's acting president, which was greeted with loud applause.

PCA America President and CEO Dr. Melissa Merrick participated in the vote and ceremony at the UN, sharing, “Greater awareness of child sexual abuse, alongside strong policies and programs, are part of a successful public health approach to prevent child sexual abuse before it can occur. PCA America is proud and humbled to be a founding partner of the Global Collaborative to bring prevention, awareness, and healing to our collective hearts and minds.”