CEDAW Application

A mother must not be punished for asking for help

Poverty, disability, pregnancy or family violence is not a reason to punish a non-offending parent or threaten removal instead of support.

How you can use it

1. 1A mother or child can explain the real problem: poverty, violence, disability or pregnancy.
2. 2Say: “We need support and safety, not punishment.”
3. 3Ask an advocate or lawyer to record that seeking help must not be used against the family.

What a violation looks like

A non-offending mother is threatened with removal because she is poor, pregnant, disabled or seeking help.

Words you can use

“We need support and safety, not punishment for asking for help.”

If speaking is hard, write it, draw it, send a message, or ask a trusted adult to say it with you.