IDEP 2025 - Webinar

Poverty Hurts: Child Poverty, Mental Health, and Violence

Event Date: 17 October 2025, Time: 8.00 AM EST (2.00 PM CEST)

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Background:

Poor mental health of children and/or their caretakers can deeply undermine children’s and young people’s education, health, future earning potential, relationships, and in many cases contribute to increased mortality. Data from 34 countries indicates that children in poverty are more likely to experience severe punishment. Exposure to violence harm children’s bodies and minds, with detrimental lasting effects.

Children across all income levels, including in high-income settings, suffer from mental health problems and violence. However, poverty can heighten these risks by increasing household stress, leaving caregivers with less time and limiting access to important services. 

On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) on October 17th this webinar will look at how child poverty links to children’s mental health and violence.

In line with this year’s IDEP theme “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Ensuring Respect and Effective Support for Families”, this event will also cover the policies that help tackle poverty while also preventing violence and strengthening mental-health support for children and families.

Speakers:

  • Carmen Leon-Himmelstine (ODI)

  • Claudia Cappa (UNICEF)

  • Priya Edwards (Save the Children)

Moderators:

  • Oliver Fiala, Co-chair, Global Coalition to End Child Poverty

  • Sola Engilbertsdottir, Co-chair, Global Coalition to End Child Poverty