President Dmitry Medvedev has become the first member of the Russia - Without Child Abuse movement, the chairwoman of a children's support group said at the launch ceremony on Tuesday.
"I would like to support all those who are not indifferent and who have already joined the movement. I also consider it my duty to join it," Medvedev said in a statement published on his official website.
Medvedev did not attend the ceremony, but his statement was read by Marina Gordeyeva of the Fund for the Support of Children, which launched the campaign along with the Health and Social Development Ministry.
"It is a well-known truth that there is no such thing as somebody else's children. That is why it is important to react swiftly to each specific case of child abuse, systematically working to prevent social orphans and homelessness, and of course, to create an atmosphere of zero tolerance in society of any violence towards children," the president's statement said.
A range of Russian pop stars and TV hosts have also joined the movement, which is also supported by RIA Novosti.
Members declare their readiness to assist children who find themselves in difficult situations, protect them from violence and promote knowledge that will help resolve conflicts between adults and children.
Thousands of cases of child abuse are registered in Russia annually. Last year, there were a number of resonant cases, including a drunken stepfather throwing his two young daughters out of the window of a multistory house, and parents chaining up their children to avoid being bothered.
Incidents of violence towards children adopted from Russia by foreign citizens have also raised the prominence of the issue of the treatment of children. In one recent case, a U.S. couple could face the death penalty for beating their adopted son to death.
MOSCOW, May 25 (RIA Novosti)
