Breaking the cycle of child physical punishment in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the Tagalog word "pamamalo" refers to the corporal punishment of children. This violent means of domestic punishment, which typically involves beating a child by hand or with the use of household objects, is widely believed to be an effective form of discipline. Despite positive parenting approaches promoted by the government and child rights advocates across the country, and a 2012 commitment to the international community to ban corporal punishment, the practice of pamamalo persists in Filipino households. Globally, one in four mothers and primary caregivers consider physical punishment to be “necessary to raise and educate children properly”, UNICEF found. My photo essay for the Safe Photography Project run by global youth agency Restless Development, is part of a global campaign and ministerial conference to end violence against children.