Nine out of every 10 children in Bangladesh face some form of violence, even within their own families, speakers said at a psychosocial care training workshop for police officers held in Khulna on Tuesday.
The two-day training workshop, organized at the Khulna Metropolitan Police Lines, brought together 33 police personnel, including 29 women and four men, from KMP headquarters, eight police stations, the Victim Support Center, and the Police Lines branch.
Speaking at the workshop, trainer Strala Rupa Mallik said reports of violence against women and children received by police stations have increased by 200% compared with previous years, suggesting a growing number of incidents.
She said children face violence in homes, schools, communities, and from criminal groups, adding that many are no longer safe even with parents, traditionally regarded as their primary source of protection.
KMP Commissioner Mohammad Jahidul Hasan inaugurated the training workshop. Additional Inspector General of Police AKM Awlad Hossain and Khulna Range Deputy Inspector General Md. Mostafizur Rahman visited the program and praised the initiative.
The training was organized by World Vision Bangladesh–Khulna under its Area Development Programme through Child Voice and Action (CVA) advocacy groups working in four KMP police station areas.
Trainer Zerin Zeba Khan said the workshop aimed to strengthen empathy and psychosocial awareness among police officers, helping them better support victims of violence.
Participants were also briefed on child-friendly practices, including respecting children's opinions, avoiding physical or psychological punishment, discrimination, shouting, comparisons, and false promises.
Trainers encouraged police and caregivers to promote positive communication, listen patiently, provide emotional support, encourage healthy development through recreation, ensure proper nutrition, teach responsible technology use, and educate children about personal safety.