Join us on Thursday, 16th April - Blue Umbrella Day - for a panel discussion that draws on frontline experience, survivor voices, and new research to explore what it takes to see, hear, and support boys.
Boys and young men who have experienced sexual violence remain largely invisible in data, in services, and in policy. What keeps boys from speaking out? What does recovery actually look like? And what needs to change in our systems, our funding, and our practice? Come prepared to listen, reflect, and act.
We will hear from Family for Every Child members and partner organisations working to prevent sexual violence, including Deep Purkayastha from Praajak, India, Patricia Chingandu from FOST, Zimbabwe and Francesca Donelli from GAPB.
Our panel will explore:
- How expectations of masculinity can prevent boys from disclosing sexual violence
- What safe disclosure actually looks like in practice
- How to centre survivor agency in healing and recovery
- What meaningful participation of survivors really means
- What works in supporting recovery—and what doesn’t
- The role families play in enabling support or reinforcing silence
- Critical gaps in policy, services, and funding.
Please enrol via this event listing. At the time of the event, you can join here.
This will be followed by a Q&A session, which will allow participants to explore areas for collaboration and make connections.
About Blue Umbrella Day
Blue Umbrella Day on 16 April is the international day dedicated to protecting boys from sexual violence. After years of building a global movement, reaching millions of people worldwide, and achieving UN recognition of the issue, we want to be bolder and more ambitious in 2026, and we invite you to join us.
One in six boys globally experience sexual violence, yet stigma, harmful gender norms and persistent systemic gaps keep their suffering invisible. Without stronger support for boys, families and communities to face the issue, boys worldwide are left without the help they need to cope, survive and thrive.
Sexual violence against boys is an urgent global issue that needs attention. Together, we can break the silence — boys deserve protection, care, and justice. Collective action is essential to advocate for stronger policies and inclusive services.
Take action! Download the Campaign Participation Pack and join our global movement to recognise, support, and protect boys from sexual violence.
The pack is available in:
French and