Prevent child abuse in rural areas of Colombia

It all began with a deep wound. From a very young age, Paula Cristina lived through a painful experience that marked her life forever. For years, she remained silent, as so many children do when the pain is too great and words are insufficient. But instead of letting that wound consume her, she decided to turn it into strength.

One day, as she looked into the eyes of a girl who also carried a pain she couldn't name, Paula understood her purpose. She couldn't change the past, but she could build a place where other children could find listening, protection, truth, and hope.

Thus, the Paula Cristina Foundation was born in Medellín, Antioquia. More than a non-profit organization, it is a refuge of love and dignity, dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and strengthening the mental health of the most vulnerable: children, adolescents, and their families. Join this space where pain is named, supported, and, little by little, transformed.

With your contributions, more children will have the support to transform their lives.

Can we count on you?

Over the past few months, we have made progress in the initial phase of our project focused on preventing and addressing child sexual abuse in rural areas of Colombia. Through an initial community survey, we identified urgent needs for intervention  from the lack of clear reporting mechanisms to a widespread lack of knowledge about children's rights among both children and caregivers. These findings confirm that abuse remains a silenced and misunderstood issue, highlighting the importance of our preventive and educational approach.

This local diagnosis is even more critical in light of the recent increase in reported cases of child sexual abuse in Colombia, revealing an alarming situation that demands immediate action. In response, we have begun working with community leaders, caregivers, and teachers through pilot workshops and awareness activities, planting the first seeds of a community-based protection network. All of this has been made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the support of committed local allies.

While we have not yet received donations, these early steps continue to strengthen our commitment. With the support we hope to receive through GlobalGiving, we will be able to significantly expand our reach and bring this work to many more communities currently facing this reality in silence. We are laying a strong foundation for lasting change and every step counts.