WHO: billion children experience violence

geneva - According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to one billion children in the world experience physical, mental or sexual violence or are neglected. This means that half of all two to seventeen year olds are involved, the organization reported Friday.

At a conference in Stockholm next week, thirty ministers are looking for solutions to the global problem.

One-fifth of the children experience physical violence in their lives, according to the WHO. A third is emotionally abused and sexual violence affects 18 percent of boys and girls.

Children who have experienced violence will tend to smoke and drink more often than children who have not experienced this. They also have a greater chance of developing disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, cancer and HIV infection.