Survivors Organise to Protect Children

July 2026

Survivors of violence in Peru are stepping into leadership to help protect children from violence.

At the Third National Survivor Gathering in Peru, 25 women from the National Survivor Network gathered, representing groups in Andahuaylas, Huánuco, Lima and Pucallpa. Together, they developed a shared advocacy plan aimed at strengthening protections for children and ensuring existing safeguarding measures are properly enforced.

The gathering marked a new chapter for the Network. Under the theme “Advocacy Now: Warmakuna Kosh - Child, We Are with You,” survivors came together not only to share their experiences, but to organise action. Over four days, they built a 2026–2027 advocacy plan, elected a new Board, and established working committees to drive the work forward.

Their focus is practical: strengthening local leadership, building relationships with decision-makers, mobilising communities and following up to ensure protection measures for children are implemented in practice.

One survivor from the Pucallpa network said: “Today I dare to demand that authorities and communities step up, and that cases of sexual violence against children do not go unpunished. Protection measures must be enforced. That way, victims don't feel alone or stay silent.”

The Third National Survivor Gathering resulted in a roadmap for action, but survivors said its greatest achievement was bringing women together to turn their experiences into collective leadership. United by a shared commitment to care, dignity, and community, they are working to help ensure that children at risk of violence are protected and supported.

Find out how you can stand alongside survivors and help protect women and children from violence