In some families, everyday items are misused regularly. Belts and cigarettes are used as punishments. So are shoes and rolling pins. These misuses go on behind closed doors.

On National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States, Republica Havas and Amigos For Kids together present these Misused Objects in new awareness campaign. Since 1991, Amigos for Kids’ mission has been to prevent child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families, and educating communities.

“We teamed up with Amigos for Kids to launch this campaign that creates awareness and advocates against child abuse,” stated Jorge Plasencia, co-founder and chief executive of Republica Havas. “Every day, five children die in the United States who are victims of abuse and it is our duty to do our part to combat this evil.”

“The campaign aims to show a reality that many are unaware of,” added Tony Waissmann, Chief Creative Officer of Republica Havas. “Child abuse occurs in all social classes regardless of the religion, origin or age of the adults involved. What we’re trying to show in this campaign is Amigos For Kids’ commitment to the fight so that this happens less and less and also to clearly exemplify how those objects that are used to perpetrate abuse should only be used for the purpose for which they were created.”

“Child abuse and neglect are still largely considered a problem confined to poor families in low-income neighbourhoods,” commented Karina Pavone, president and chief executive officer of Amigos for Kids. “However, it can happen in any family regardless of socioeconomic status. That is what this campaign is meant to highlight.”