Angelina Jolie takes a stand for children vulnerable to abuse during coronavirus pandemic

Angelina Jolie is advocating for children who are vulnerable to abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.

In an op-ed for a publication, the Hollywood actress and humanitarian discussed the surge in domestic violence amid pandemic lockdowns and pointed how children can be at risk.

Jolie maintained in her article that children may not be as susceptible to the virus as other groups, but they are especially vulnerable to so many of the secondary impacts of the pandemic on society.

“Isolating a victim from family and friends is a well-known tactic of control by abusers, meaning that the social distancing that is necessary to stop COVID-19 is one that will inadvertently fuel a direct rise in trauma and suffering for vulnerable children,’ wrote Jolie.

She further added that the effects of the pandemic can be particularly unfortunate for children because it comes at a time when children are deprived of the very support networks that help them cope such as their trusted friends and teachers.

“It’s not just that children have lost support networks,’ Jolie continued. ‘Lockdown also means fewer adult eyes on their situation. In child abuse cases, Child Protective Services are most often called by third parties such as teachers, guidance counselors, after school program coordinators and coaches,’ the Maleficent star further wrote in her op-ed.

The mother of six has also tried to support such children going through tough times via her platform.

She noted: “The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children have produced a series of guides to help protect children during the pandemic, including managing stress and talking to children about difficult issues,”

“The Child Helpline Network can direct parents or anyone with concerns to a number to call for advice and information. And there are sites that can help you if you have concerns about your own relationship. It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. It will take an effort by the whole of our country to give children the protection and care they deserve,” the actress concluded.