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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for violence against children
54 results foundAuthor: Murtaza, Amir Title: Silent Shrieks: A Situational Analysis of Violence Against Street Children in Karachi Summary: Violence against children is certainly not a new phenomenon. Millions of children throughout the world, including Pakistan, are the victims of physical, sexual, emotional violence and discrimination. However, the definition of “violence” to children varies from country to country and culture to culture. Different countries have differing levels of “legal” violence to children, characterizing such violence as forms of allowable punishment. Negative impact of globalization, unplanned urbanization, increasing poverty, rural-urban migration and rising unemployment have devastating consequences for children. Under these adverse circumstances, poor families, especially in underdeveloped countries, abandon their children or they run away because of lack of parental care and concern. Poverty, neglect and mistreatment are the major factors compelling them to leave their homes and seek shelter in big cities, making streets, market places, bus stops and railway stations as their new homes. To make a living, they take petty jobs, indulge in immoral activities and often take drugs. In the process, they come across criminals who lure them to a similar life of crime. Children who leave, run away, or forced to take refuge in the streets are generally attracted to Karachi, the economic capital of the country. Therefore, street children are extremely visible in all 18 towns of the city. The exact numbers of street children in Karachi are unknown; a look of railway stations or bus stops strengthens the prevailing notion that the arrival of any train/bus from rural areas of the country increases the number of street children in Karachi. The working conditions of these children can be described as dirty and dangerous. They do all sorts of manual work and do not find any profession that could ultimately lead them to skilled profession. Children on the streets suffer both physically and psychologically. Their exposure to unhealthy living and working conditions, vulnerability to physical and sexual abuse, drugs and indulgence in criminal activities are some of the physical threats. Violence against street children in Karachi manifests itself in a number of forms. However, the exact scope of the problem is not known as it has been only in the last few years that the prevalence of deliberate physical and mental violence to street children by parents, peers, police and others has begun to be acknowledged however not documented. The purpose of this situational analysis is to document the patterns and magnitude of violence against street children in Karachi and provide groundwork for further researches. Details: Pakistan: Initiator Human Development Foundation, 2010. 65p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2011 at: http://www.crin.org/docs/SLIENT-SHRIEKS.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Pakistan URL: http://www.crin.org/docs/SLIENT-SHRIEKS.pdf Shelf Number: 121072 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentStreet ChildrenViolence Against Children |
Author: United Nations Children’s Fund Title: Violence Against Children in Tanzania: Findings from a National Survey 2009 Summary: Violence against children is a serious human rights, social and public health issue in many parts of the world and its consequences can be devastating. No country is immune, whether rich or poor. Violence erodes the strong foundation that children need for leading healthy and productive lives, and violates the fundamental right of children to a safe childhood. Violence against children is never justifiable. Nor is it inevitable. If its underlying causes are identified and addressed, violence against children is entirely preventable. The United Nations Secretary-General’s (UNSG) World Report on Violence against Children (2006) was the first and most comprehensive global study on all forms of violence against children. The aim of the study was to research, report, and make recommendations on violence in the multiple settings where children live and survive — including the home and family, in schools, care and justice systems, the workplace and the community. Overarching recommendations from this global study included the need to ‘develop and implement systematic national data collection and research’ urging States to improve data collection and information systems in order to identify the most vulnerable children, inform policy and programming at all levels and track progress towards the goal of preventing violence against children. Tanzania is the first country in Africa to undertake A National Study on Violence against Children – for the first time measuring all forms of violence (sexual, physical and emotional) amongst girls and boys and giving national estimates of the prevalence of violence. The results of this study which you are about to read indicate that sexual, physical and emotional violence are common for children growing up in Tanzania, and the perpetrators of this violence are often near and known to the children. This report provides, for the first time, national estimates which describe the magnitude and nature of violence experienced by both girls and boys in Tanzania. It highlights the particular vulnerability of girls to sexual violence and the negative health consequences of these experiences in their childhoods and beyond. Violence against children is a major threat to national development and our work to achieve the vision laid out in MKUKUTA and to reach the Millennium Development Goals. We will not achieve quality primary and secondary education unless children are safe in school. The spread of HIV/AIDS will not be halted until we stop sexual violence that helps to fuel the pandemic. We will not reduce the incidence and costs of mental and physical health problems if we do not address all forms of violence against children. We will not challenge the social and cultural legitimacy of violence in Tanzania without understanding its circumstances. The obligation for all States to work toward the elimination of all forms of violence against children is recognized by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratifi ed by Tanzania in 1990. Efforts to prevent violence form part of the government’s national commitment to uphold the right of each child to his or her human dignity and physical integrity. This commitment is refl ected in the Tanzanian Law of the Child Act (2009) - the national legal and regulatory framework to protect children. The results of this study will help the Government of Tanzania, through the Multi-Sector Task Force that has coordinated the Study, to enhance efforts to break the silence around violence against children and establish a stronger foundation for both prevention and response, nested within a nationally supported Child Protection System in line with the Law of the Child Act (2009). What is critical now is to move the Study from research to action. Responses are required across all sectors – including health, social welfare, education, justice – and at all levels - national, regional, district and lower levels. Civil society groups and individual citizens all have important roles to play. Details: Dar es Salaam: UNICEF Tanzania, 2011. 152p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 16, 2011 at: http://www.unicef.org/media/files/VIOLENCE_AGAINST_CHILDREN_IN_TANZANIA_REPORT.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Tanzania URL: http://www.unicef.org/media/files/VIOLENCE_AGAINST_CHILDREN_IN_TANZANIA_REPORT.pdf Shelf Number: 122754 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect (Tanzania)Child MaltreatmentChild Sexual AbuseChildren, Crimes AgainstViolence Against Children |
Author: Covell, Katherine Title: Five Years On: A Global Update on Violence Against Children Summary: In 2001, the UN General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, requested the UN Secretary-General to undertake an in-depth study on violence against children. The Study provided the first global report on the extent, causes, and effects of violence against children — in the home, the school, institutions, the workplace, and the community. It was also the first United Nations report to be based on widespread collaboration among the OHCHR, UNICEF, the WHO, non-governmental organizations, national human rights institutions, and direct consultation with children themselves. The report found that millions of children across the world were victims of sexual, physical and/or, emotional violence, many on a daily basis. Societal acceptance of violence against children appeared to be the norm and to be a key obstacle to its elimination. The UN Study put forward 12 overarching recommendations for action. It urged states and other stakeholders to strengthen international, national, and local commitments to end violence against children; to prohibit all violence against children in national law; to promote non-violent values and awareness raising; to enhance the capacity of those who work with or for children; to ensure accountability and end impunity; and to take a range of other actions to prevent violence against children and to respond to it effectively if it occurs. The ultimate goal of the recommendations was to establish conditions that would end all forms of violence against all children. The UN Study concluded, “No violence against children is justifiable; all violence against children is preventable.” When the report of the UN Secretary-General’s Study on Violence against Children (UN Study) was presented in 2006, it revealed that despite extensive international human rights obligations, children globally experience staggering levels of violence. The magnitude of violence against children documented by the UN Study represented an urgent call to action, and the Study presented clear and concrete recommendations on how states should respond. Five years later, we find that violence, including severe violence, continues against millions of children globally. There has been some progress on some of the Study’s recommendations – but concerted action to prohibit and eliminate violence against children is as urgently needed today as when the report was submitted to the General Assembly (GA) in 2006. Details: NGO Advisory Council, 2011. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 18, 2011 at: http://www.crin.org/docs/Five_Years_On.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.crin.org/docs/Five_Years_On.pdf Shelf Number: 123050 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionChild Sexual AbuseChildren, Crimes AgainstViolence Against Children |
Author: Kemper, Yvonne Title: No One To Trust: Children and Armed Conflict in Colombia Summary: Colombia’s civilians have been pulled into a decades-long civil war among the government’s forces, paramilitary groups and their successors, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the People’s Liberation Army (ELN). During the conflict, girls and boys have been subjected to forced recruitment, rape and sexual violence, killing and maiming, and have been seriously affected by attacks against schools and the denial of humanitarian assistance, according to the 2011 UN Secretary-General’s report on children and armed conflict in Colombia. More than half of an estimated 3.9 – 5.3 million internally displaced people in Colombia are under 18, rendering them even more vulnerable to the threats that caused them to flee their homes in the first place. Details: New York: Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, Women's Refugee Commission, 2012. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 4, 2012 at: http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/documents/Watchlist_NoOnetoTrustChildrenandArmedConflictinColombia.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Colombia URL: http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/documents/Watchlist_NoOnetoTrustChildrenandArmedConflictinColombia.pdf Shelf Number: 124812 Keywords: Armed ConflictChild ProtectionChildren as VictimsCriminal Violence (Colombia)Violence Against ChildrenViolent Crime |
Author: Heiberg, Turid, ed. Title: Ten Essential Learning Points: Listen and Speak Out against Sexual Abuse of Girls and Boys Summary: The UN Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children offers an opportunity to speak out against sexual abuse of girls and boys and to identify ways of tackling this serious violation of children’s human rights. Two world congresses have paved the way for governments and the public to acknowledge the sexual exploitation of children, and the time is ripe for concerted actions to effectively protect children against all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation. The issue of child sexual abuse deserves to be taken seriously by the world community. It is an invasion of the child’s most intimate zone, a violation of the child’s physical and psychological integrity and a transgression of the moral norms of the child and the society. It creates fear in the boy or girl, who may be harmed for life physically and mentally. The stigma and shame surrounding child sexual abuse in all societies usually leaves the child to face the harm in solitude. Disclosure of the abuse seldom leads to a conviction of the abuser – rather it is the child who is blamed and judged. International law, in particular the Convention on the Rights of the Child, does set high standards for protection of children against all kinds of violence, but national laws, customary laws, traditional practices, systems of justice and child welfare systems do not adequately protect children. Implementing children’s rights, including their rights to protection, are as a rule not prioritised and overlooked in many places and situations. Children are as a consequence, denied full enjoyment of their rights, the development of their abilities and meaningful participation in society. Save the Children's report on sexual abuse is based on consultations carried out in Canada, Colombia, Brazil, South Africa, Romania, Spain, Mozambique, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nicaragua and Syria. The report is a contribution to the UN Study on Violence against Children, a study which was requested by the UN General Assembly in 2001. This report is one of three global thematic submissions to the UN Study; the other two focus on Physical and Humiliating Punishment and Children in Conflict with the Law. Details: London: The International Save the Children Alliance, 2005. 146p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 26, 2012 at: http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/content/library/documents/listen-and-speak-out-against-sexual-abuse-boys-and-girls-10-essential-lear Year: 2005 Country: International URL: http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/content/library/documents/listen-and-speak-out-against-sexual-abuse-boys-and-girls-10-essential-lear Shelf Number: 125067 Keywords: Child Sexual AbuseSexual Exploitation, ChildrenViolence Against Children |
Author: United Nations General Assembly. Human Rights Council Title: Joint Report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children on Prevention of and Responses to Violen Summary: The present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 18/12, builds upon the 2006 United Nations Study on Violence against Children, which remains a foundational document for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children in all settings, including within the juvenile justice system. This report describes the current situation of violence against children in the juvenile justice system, identifies the risks of violence to which children are exposed and analyses the systemic factors which contribute to violence. It provides a number of recommended strategies to prevent and respond to violence against children in the juvenile justice system. Details: Vienna: United Nations, 2012. 19p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 27, 2012 at: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/document/a-hrc-21-25_505 Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/document/a-hrc-21-25_505 Shelf Number: 126471 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentJuvenile Justice SystemViolence Against Children |
Author: Skelton, Ann Title: Prevention of and Responses to Violence Against Children within the Juvenile Justice System Summary: In its resolution 18/12 of 24 September 2011 on human rights in the administration of justice, in particular juvenile justice, the Human Rights Council invited the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children to collaborate in the organization of an expert consultation on prevention of and responses to violence against children within the juvenile justice system and to submit a report thereon. The Expert Consultation took place in Vienna on 23-24 January 2012. It was hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and co-organized with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, in cooperation with the Government of Austria. Participants included representatives from international and regional human rights bodies, governmental and State institutions, academia and civil society. The Expert Consultation focused on the risks and systemic factors contributing to violence against children within the juvenile justice system, and strategies and practical recommendations to prevent and respond to violence against children within the juvenile justice system. This report is informed by the results of the consultation and a research paper conducted by an independent consultant, Ann Skelton, of the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Details: New York: Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary on Violence against Children; UNICEF, 2012. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 13, 2012 at http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/publications_final/web_juvenile_justice_final.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/publications_final/web_juvenile_justice_final.pdf Shelf Number: 126690 Keywords: Juvenile CorrectionsJuvenile DetentionJuvenile InmatesViolence Against Children |
Author: International NGO Council on Violence Against Children Title: Violating Children's Rights: Harmful Practices Based on Tradition, Culture, Religion or Superstition Summary: All violations of children’s rights can legitimately be described as harmful practices, but the common characteristic of the violations highlighted in this report is that they are based on tradition, culture, religion or superstition and are perpetrated and actively condoned by the child’s parents or significant adults within the child’s community. Indeed, they often still enjoy majority support within communities or whole states. Harmful practices based on tradition, culture, religion or superstition are often perpetrated against very young children or infants, who are clearly lacking the capacity to consent or to refuse consent themselves. Assumptions of parental powers or rights over their children allow the perpetration of a wide range of these practices, many by parents directly, some by other individuals with parents’ assumed or actual consent. Yet the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), ratified by almost every state, favours the replacement of the concept of parental “rights” over children with parental “responsibilities,” ensuring that the child’s best interests are parents’ “basic concern” (Article 18). Many of the practices identified in this report involve gross and unlawful discrimination against groups of children, including gender discrimination, and in particular discrimination against children with disabilities. Some are based on tradition and/or superstition, some on religious belief, others on false information or beliefs about child development and health. Many involve extreme physical violence and pain leading, in some cases intentionally, to death or serious injury. Others involve mental violence. All are an assault on the child’s human dignity and violate universally agreed international human rights standards. The International NGO Council on Violence against Children believes the continued legality and social and cultural acceptance of a very wide range of these practices in many states illustrates a devastating failure of international and regional human rights mechanisms to provoke the necessary challenge, prohibition and elimination. Comprehensive, children’s rights-based analysis and action are needed now. Above all, there must be an assertion of every state’s immediate obligation to ensure all children their right to full respect for their human dignity and physical integrity. This short report is designed to complement other current activities in the UN system that are focusing on harmful practices and children and will hopefully lead to more effective action. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais, held an International Expert Consultation on the issue in June 2012 in Addis Ababa in which the International NGO Council was represented and prepared a submission. Two UN Treaty Bodies, the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), are collaborating in drafting a General Comment/General Recommendation on harmful practices. Details: International NGO Council on Violence Against Children, 2012. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 26, 2012 at: http://www.crin.org/docs/InCo_Report_15Oct.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.crin.org/docs/InCo_Report_15Oct.pdf Shelf Number: 126806 Keywords: Child AbuseChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionChildren, Crimes AgainstViolence Against Children |
Author: Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children Title: Ending Legalised Violence against Children. Global Report 2012 Summary: We live in a time of incredible change – relentless political and social upheaval (for better or worse), technological advances, ever more and faster methods of communicating and information sharing…. It seems that little stays the same for long. But the pace of change in how we treat children remains stubbornly slow. It is shocking that at this point in the 21st century we are still fighting entrenched attitudes that hitting children is OK or even a duty. On the one hand this situation makes all the more remarkable the achievements of the 33 states which have enacted laws to prohibit corporal punishment and are now focusing their efforts on ensuring the laws are implemented and that children can live their lives free from violence at the hands of those who care for them. But on the other hand it exposes the low status that children still have in too many societies, a failure to regard them as fully human and holders of human rights, and a refusal to perceive their ongoing subjection to physical and emotional assault in their own homes and in places of learning as a serious violation of their fundamental human rights that should be rectified immediately. We can rightly celebrate the progress described in these pages, but we can equally question why it is that so many children are yet to benefit from full legal protection from all forms of corporal punishment in all settings of their lives. In last year’s Global Report, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, who led the UN Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children, drew attention to the target of 2009 which the Study report set for prohibition of all legalised violence against children: “Yes this was wildly over-optimistic – but how could we justifiably be ‘realistic’ about the time it takes to convince governments to prohibit such obvious human rights violations against their youngest citizens? How could we be true to children and yet condemn another whole generation to suffer childhoods scarred by deliberate and legalised adult violence?” This report documents increasing numbers of active campaigns in all regions: we must work together to insist that states fulfil their obligations to the present generation of children. Details: Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children; Save the Children Sweden, 2012. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 1, 2013 at: http://www.endcorporalpunishment.org/pages/pdfs/reports/GlobalReport2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.endcorporalpunishment.org/pages/pdfs/reports/GlobalReport2012.pdf Shelf Number: 128589 Keywords: Child MaltreatmentChild ProtectionCorporal Punishment (International)Violence Against Children |
Author: Australia. Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) Title: The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010 – 2022 (the National Plan) Summary: While living safe and free from violence is everyone’s right, reducing violence is everyone’s responsibility. Around one-in-three Australian women have experienced physical violence and almost one-in-five have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. For certain groups, this statistic may be much higher. The National Plan brings together the efforts of governments across the nation to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women. This plan shows Australia’s commitment to upholding the human rights of Australian women and it is the first plan to coordinate action across jurisdictions. The National Plan is unprecedented in the way it focuses on preventing violence by raising awareness and building respectful relationships in the next generation. The aim is to bring attitudinal and behavioural change at the cultural, institutional and individual levels, with a particular focus on young people. The National Plan has been built from an evidence base of new research and extensive consultation with experts and the community. The National Plan sets out a framework for action over the next 12 years. By working together and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to occur, all Australian governments are saying a very loud ‘no’ to violence. Details: Canberra: FahCSIA, 2013. 133p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 11, 2013 at: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2012/national_plan.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2012/national_plan.pdf Shelf Number: 129363 Keywords: Family Violence (Australia)Violence Against ChildrenViolence Against Women |
Author: Penal Reform International Title: A Review of Law and Policy to Prevent and Remedy Violence against Children in Police and Pre-Trial Detention in Eight Countries: Country Reports for: Bangladesh, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Tanzania and Uganda Summary: Throughout the criminal justice process – during arrest, at the police station and in detention – children are at risk of violence from police, prison staff, adult detainees and their peers. Such violence takes many forms, including torture, beatings, isolation, use of restraints, rape, harassment, self-harm and humiliation. In some countries, children can be handed violent and inhumane sentences, including corporal punishment and even the death penalty. They may also experience unreasonable disciplinary measures in prison, such as corporal punishment or solitary confinement. The impact of violence on children in the general population can have irreversible and life-long consequences. Children who experience violence are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours later in life, going on to perpetrate violence against others, experience depression, unintended pregnancy and obesity, and engage in other high-risk behaviours such as smoking, alcohol and drug use. In recent years, the issue of violence against children deprived of their liberty has come to the fore as a severe violation of child rights, which is frequently invisible and under-researched. Supported by the UK Department of International Development, this programme of work aims to reduce and eliminate violence against children in detention around the world by promoting reform of law, policy and practice through international and national advocacy, training and research. To date: We have researched and published baseline studies on legislation and policy, initially in eight countries around the world: Bangladesh, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania and Uganda. These reviews aims to increase our understanding of the specific legal and policy measures that can work to prevent and remedy violence against children in police and pre-trial detention. These desk reviews (working draft, August 2012) aim to increase understanding of the specific legal and policy measures that can work to prevent and remedy violence against children in detention. Eight countries were researched: Bangladesh, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania and Uganda. For each country, the review aims to: •identify policy and legislative measures already in place to prevent and detect violence, to assist victims and to make perpetrators accountable; •highlight significant gaps in provision; and •make recommendations for improvements. There are eight individual country reports (Country Reports for: Bangladesh, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Tanzania and Uganda) , and a summary report (working draft) which pulls together findings from these eight reports. Details: London: Penal Reform International, 2013. 9 vols. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 13, 2013 at: http://www.penalreform.org/publications/review-law-and-policy-prevent-and-remedy-violence-against-children-police-and-pre-tria-0 Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.penalreform.org/publications/review-law-and-policy-prevent-and-remedy-violence-against-children-police-and-pre-tria-0 Shelf Number: 129382 Keywords: Juvenile DetentionJuvenile Offenders (Bangladesh, Georgia, Jordan, KPretrial Detention, JuvenilesViolence Against Children |
Author: Sarrouh, Layal T.E. Title: Where Are They?: The situation of children and armed conflict in Mali Summary: Three months after the start of the current conflict in Mali, which began in January 2012, the non-state armed groups the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Ansar Dine, with assistance from Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), captured the three northern regions in Mali: Gao, Kidal, and Tombouctou. Ideological differences led to clashes amongst the four armed groups, and by July 2012, Ansar Dine, AQIM, and MUJAO were in control of most of the captured territory, and were enforcing their own severe interpretation of Sharia on the remaining population through threat of force. In December 2012, the United Nations (UN) Security Council authorized the establishment of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) to assist the Government of Mali reclaim control over its territory. However, on 10 January 2013, Ansar Dine, AQIM, and MUJAO began advancing south towards the capital, Bamako, prompting the launch of a French-led military intervention and the hurried deployment of AFISMA. As a result, the armed groups retreated into the surrounding areas and desert, shifting the conflict to asymmetric warfare. In late April 2013, the UN Security Council authorized the establishment of a UN-led peacekeeping force for Mali, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), expected to begin 1 July 2013. The conflict has led to the displacement of nearly 475,000 Malians: 300,783 of them internally displaced. Given the dearth of information on the conflict’s effect on children, Watchlist undertook two missions to Mali in November-December 2012 and in February-March 2013, to research grave violations, notably: the recruitment or use of children, killing and maiming, attacks on schools, and rape and sexual violence; as well as the response in place to protect children. The title of the report, “Where are they?” refers to multiple layers of the findings: It asks where are the recruited children, many of whom seemingly disappeared with the retreat of the armed groups; it refers to the number of children against whom grave violations are being committed, unknown due to the lack of data and monitoring; and finally, it asks where is the international community, specifically the child protection actors with the expertise and knowledge for responding to conflicts of this nature. Where are they all? Details: Watch List on Children and Armed Conflict, 2013. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 16, 2013 at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Watchlist%20Where%20are%20they.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Mali URL: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Watchlist%20Where%20are%20they.pdf Shelf Number: 129416 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild Protection (Mali)Violence Against Children |
Author: Queensland. Crime and Misconduct Commission Title: Vulnerable Victims: Child Homicide by Parents Summary: Vulnerable victims are those who are susceptible to becoming victims of violence because of their limited capacity to protect and remove themselves from danger. Generally speaking, criminal investigations involving vulnerable victims are protracted, sensitive and labour-intensive. The investigations can be particularly complex and challenging to carry out using conventional law enforcement powers. For cases where conventional practices have not proved effective, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) may request access to the special investigative powers of the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC), if it is considered that the use of the coercive hearings power may benefit the investigation. Historically, these types of investigations were referred to the CMC on a case-by-case basis at the request of the Commissioner of Police. The CMC’s vulnerable victims research program was established to help the CMC to conduct coercive hearings under the new referral. Papers in the vulnerable victims research program review published literature from a range of subject areas, including law enforcement, criminology, psychology and pathology. This Research and Issues Paper focuses on cases of suspected homicide of vulnerable victims under the age of 16, particularly homicide perpetrated by a parent. Although police investigators are the paper’s primary audience, the paper is also a useful reference for professionals such as clinicians, ambulance officers or child protection workers who may encounter children at risk of being murdered by their parent. Details: Brisbane: Crime and Misconduct Commission, 2013. 22p. Source: Internet Resource: Research and Issues No. 10: Accessed August 12, 2013 at: http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications/research/vulnerable-victims-child-homicide-by-parents Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications/research/vulnerable-victims-child-homicide-by-parents Shelf Number: 129628 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild Homicide (Australia)Family HomicideInfanticideViolence Against Children |
Author: Morgan, David Title: Promising Practices to Help Children and Youth who have been Exposed to Violence Summary: Children and youth in challenging contexts, both in Canada and overseas, face common threats to their mental health that can be better addressed when researchers, service providers, practitioners, and communities pool their knowledge, resources, and lessons learned of what works best for improving young peoples' mental health. If these groups continue to work within their occupational and disciplinary boundaries, they will fail to mobilize the full potential of the evidence documented by researchers, the practice-related knowledge of service providers and practitioners, and the local knowledge of communities. The CYCC Network was developed in response to this need and in the summer of 2013, released three thematic knowledge synthesis reports: violence, technology, and youth engagement. Violence against children and youth, in particular, is a complex public health problem that affects communities worldwide, and can lead to potentially devastating consequences for young people and their families if left unaddressed. To tackle this problem, a coordinated effort to share and document best practices for addressing young peoples' mental health needs is urgently needed. Without opportunities to share this knowledge, there is a risk of delivering potentially ineffective interventions that are difficult for young people and their families to access or relate to. Additionally, poorly-researched or evaluated interventions often ignore the structural barriers (e.g. limited access to mental health practitioners, stigma, and a lack of resources to evaluate programs) that shape young peoples' mental health and wellbeing. In light of these challenges, the knowledge synthesis report on violence explores the effective strategies used among children and youth in challenging contexts who have been exposed to violence, in order to help them overcome trauma and feel safe in their families, schools, and communities. Recent years have seen an explosion of new, innovative programs that focus on improving the lives of vulnerable young people through the use of technology. The internet has opened doors of opportunity to reach these children and youth in more effective ways with the information and support they need to lead healthy lives. Today, mobile phones are one of the most prolific mediums through which interventions can be delivered. While the rapid developments made in technology present many opportunities, the expansion of this field has not been accompanied by a comparable level of research and evaluation. There is a need for more evidence to support the use of technology as a means of intervention with children and youth in challenging contexts. In response to this gap, the knowledge synthesis report on technology reviews innovations in technology that are known to be effective in helping children and youth in the most challenging of contexts, to nurture resilience, prevent mental health problems, and build a special place for themselves in the collective life of their communities. Finally, there has been an increasing recognition that youth engagement is central to any best practice or intervention that involves young people. Valuing youth engagement puts the focus on the positive contributions that youth make to programs and their effectiveness. Programs and services that acknowledge the independence and agency of at-risk youth provide opportunity for young people to give feedback on the relevance and appropriateness of the programs that serve them. Additionally, youth engagement can promote a sense of empowerment on an individual level, and facilitate healthy connections between young people and their community. Despite these benefits, however, there remains a gap in our understanding of the implications of engaging vulnerable youth. In order to better understand and optimize youth engagement, different strategies need to be explored that identify their appropriateness for youth living in different challenging contexts, representing all genders and age categories. With these gaps in mind, the knowledge synthesis report on youth engagement explores strategies that have been shown to work in engaging children and youth in challenging contexts as full members of their communities and in ending feelings of disempowerment and abandonment. Ultimately, the three knowledge synthesis reports are interconnected in ways that can help to form a comprehensive strategy for researchers, practitioners, service providers, and communities to address the needs of vulnerable children and youth in Canada and overseas. For example, lessons learned from the violence report can inform programs and interventions that use technology to address the mental health needs of young people in challenging contexts. Similarly, the many innovative examples and lessons learned highlighted in the technology report may be used to inform professionals working with children and youth exposed to violence, through the design and delivery of technology-based programming that is safe, accessible and effective for youth in different contexts. In turn, the youth engagement report showcases important work that can be used to inform both the violence and technology reports with best practices for engaging youth in the design and implementation of programs so that interventions are relevant, meaningful and effective to children and youth in challenging contexts. Details: Halifax, NS: CYCC Network, 2013. 134p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 31, 2014 at: http://www.cyccnetwork.org/files/Violence%20Report.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Canada URL: http://www.cyccnetwork.org/files/Violence%20Report.pdf Shelf Number: 131835 Keywords: At-Risk YouthChildren and ViolenceDomestic ViolenceFamily ViolenceViolence against ChildrenViolent CrimeVulnerable Children |
Author: United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children Title: Toward a World Free from Violence: Global Survey on Violence Against Children Summary: Every year, and in every region of the world, millions of children suffer the cumulative impact of physical, mental and emotional violence, and millions more are at risk. Violence against children takes place in every setting, including those where children should be safest - in schools, in care institutions and at home. Like a contagion, violence spreads through communities and is transmitted to future generations. Across regions and countries, it threatens children's survival and development, erodes family structures, jeopardizes education, generates social insecurity and consumes precious national resources. The Global Survey on Violence against Children, conducted under the auspices of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children, examines the measures in place around the world to ensure follow-up to the recommendations set out in the 2006 UN Study on Violence against Children, especially those recommendations intended to prevent violence against children, protect child victims and hold perpetrators to account. The Survey reveals that there has been some progress on these issues since the 2006 study, but this progress has been too slow, too uneven and too fragmented to bring violence to an end. Most girls and boys who are exposed to violence still live in isolation, loneliness, and fear. Many children simply do not know where to turn for help, especially when the perpetrator is a family member, caregiver, teacher or anyone else responsible for their protection and well-being. Freedom from violence is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC is clear and unambiguous: any form of violence against children is unacceptable and children must be protected from any practice that threatens their well-being and human dignity. Freedom from violence is a right that the international community has promised to safeguard for all children, everywhere and at all times. It is time to deliver on that promise. Details: New York: United Nations, 2013. 161p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 2, 2014 at: http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/sites/default/files/documents/2013_unicef_-_toward_a_world_free_of_violence1_0.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/sites/default/files/documents/2013_unicef_-_toward_a_world_free_of_violence1_0.pdf Shelf Number: 133171 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionChildren as VictimsViolence Against Children |
Author: United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF Title: Hidden in Plain Sight: A statistical analysis of violence against children Summary: Interpersonal violence - in all its forms - has a grave effect on children: Violence undermines children's future potential; damages their physical, psychological and emotional well-being; and in many cases, ends their lives. The report sheds light on the prevalence of different forms of violence against children, with global figures and data from 190 countries. Where relevant, data are disaggregated by age and sex, to provide insights into risk and protective factors Details: New York: UNICEF, 2014. 206p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 9, 2014 at: http://www.unicef.org/publications/index_74865.html Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.unicef.org/publications/index_74865.html Shelf Number: 133249 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild HomicideChild ProtectionChild Sexual AbuseEmotional AbuseFamily ViolenceViolence Against Children |
Author: Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict Title: "Who Will Care for Us?" - Grave Violations against Children in Northeastern Nigeria Summary: Conflict between the armed group Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, Nigerian security forces, and civilian self-defense militias, is ravaging Nigeria's fragile northeast. Over the last few years the level of violence and the scale of violations against children have worsened. While the abduction of over 200 girls from Chibok in Borno State has shed some light on these atrocities, much of the impact of the conflict on children is not well understood or addressed. Following a six-week research mission between March and May 2014, Watchlist found that parties to the conflict have subjected boys and girls to forced recruitment, attacks on their schools, killing and maiming, abductions, rape and sexual violence, and arbitrary detention. The humanitarian response has been slow, fragmented, and unable to meet the fast-growing needs of those affected by the conflict. The government of Nigeria, in collaboration with humanitarian, United Nations, and non-governmental actors, needs to take steps to strengthen data collection and programming to support children affected by conflict, to adopt operating procedures to manage children encountered in armed groups, and to expand and implement strategies to promote school safety and security. Details: New York: Watchlist for Children and Armed Conflict, 2014. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 10, 2014 at: http://watchlist.org/who-will-care-for-us-grave-violations-against-children-in-northeastern-nigeria/ Year: 2014 Country: Nigeria URL: http://watchlist.org/who-will-care-for-us-grave-violations-against-children-in-northeastern-nigeria/ Shelf Number: 133261 Keywords: Child KidnappingChild Sexual AbuseChildren, Crimes AgainstConflict ViolenceHuman Rights AbusesViolence Against Children |
Author: United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF Title: Ending Violence Against Children: Six Strategies for Action Summary: Ending Violence Against Children: Six Strategies for Action provides evidence of effective programmes to address violence against children drawn from UNICEF's decades of experience, and informed by key partners. Case studies from around the globe illustrate how well-crafted prevention and response strategies can reduce the prevalence and impact of violence against children. The report is released as part of the #ENDviolence global initiative calling for an end to all forms of violence against children. It is directed at government leaders, civil society representatives, the private sector and the international development community Details: New York: UNICEF, 2014. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 30, 2014 at: http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/Ending_Violence_Against_Children_Six_strategies_for_action_EN_9_Oct_2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/Ending_Violence_Against_Children_Six_strategies_for_action_EN_9_Oct_2014.pdf Shelf Number: 133836 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ExploitationChild MaltreatmentChild Sexual AbuseViolence Against Children |
Author: Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Group Title: Measuring Violence against Children - Inventory and assessment of quantitative studies Summary: Research and data on violence against children are scarce and inconsistent, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As a result, rigorous evidence on the extent, nature and impact of violence against children and on the underlying social norms and attitudes that perpetuate it is limited. Robust data are needed to develop evidence-based programmes and policies that can prevent and respond to violence, to establish baselines and monitor progress, and for advocacy. Such data are also needed to inform the development of and improve campaigns, laws, regulations and services that contribute to children's protection and well-being. The last two decades have witnessed a proliferation of different measurement activities aimed at filling the existing gaps, primarily through population-based sample surveys. Initiatives have been undertaken by or with the support of international agencies, international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government institutions and researchers. The fact that governments and others have expressed interest in advancing in this area and have invested in improving related data-collection efforts is a positive step forward. While many organizations and individuals are active in research on violence against children, no gold standard for measuring this sensitive issue has been agreed upon internationally. As a result, different approaches have been developed to gather data, including the use of diverse indicators, questionnaires and study designs. This combination of factors has often led to the collection of inconsistent and unreliable data. It has also raised important questions about the risks and ethical issues that arise when the data-collection process involves children. The Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group's (CP MERG) Technical Working Group on Data Collection on Violence against Children was established to provide guidance in this area and to produce outputs that can assist countries and partners in their efforts to gather data that are both reliable and useful and obtained in an ethically sensitive manner. The goal is to support, facilitate and coordinate the development of guidelines, standards and tools for the collection of data on violence against children at global, regional and national levels. With these objectives in mind, the Working Group decided to undertake a review of quantitative studies on violence against children to provide an overview of some recent data-collection activities that will feed into the development of guidelines. This review focused mainly on studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries; however, three studies from Western Europe (Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) and one study from the United States were also included. The review was based upon interviews with key informants, the identification of large-scale studies on violence against children, and an in-depth assessment of surveys from six countries and one subregion: Chile, the Eastern Caribbean, Georgia, India, the Republic of Moldova, the United Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania. Surveys conducted as part of larger international survey programmes, such as the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys and Demographic and Health Surveys, were not included in the review. Details: New York: Division of Data, Research and Policy, UNICEF,2014. 109p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 18, 2014 at: http://data.unicef.org/corecode/uploads/document6/uploaded_pdfs/corecode/CP-MERG-REPORT_205.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://data.unicef.org/corecode/uploads/document6/uploaded_pdfs/corecode/CP-MERG-REPORT_205.pdf Shelf Number: 134137 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionSocioeconomic Conditions and CrimeViolence Against Children |
Author: Steven, David Title: If Not Now, When? Ending Violence Against the World's Children Summary: Key Messages -- A target to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence, and torture against children has been proposed as part of the post-2015 development agenda. Support for this target is based on the recognition that no violence against children is justifiable and all violence against children is preventable. It forms part of a broader commitment to the role peaceful and inclusive societies play in sustainable development. At present, an epidemic of violence undermines child survival and development, while causing broader economic damage and trapping children into cycles of violence they may not escape as adults. Ambitious post- 2015 commitments on children's education, health, and wellbeing cannot be met as long as so many children live in fear. While the challenge of protecting all children is a substantial one, strategies exist for tackling violence and other forms of abuse. With the right policies and sufficient resources, substantial improvements in child safety can be achieved in less than a decade. Proposed targets to protect, prevent and address violence against children must be included in the final version of the new development agenda, with governments persuaded this is a signature issue that will resonate with the public around the world. But as Nelson Mandela wrote a decade ago, safety and security don't just happen: they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We must now begin preparing for implementation of new targets, moving beyond aspirations to credible plans. We now have an historic opportunity to unite the world behind a global, national, and local movement to protect children from violence, based on increased political will, a global partnership that will protect children, and the identification of pathfinder countries that will be ready to deliver the new agenda from January 2016. The next twelve months are critical. We must: 1. Secure an unequivocal global commitment to ending violence against children. Governments must be convinced that tackling violence is an essential and resonant priority that will significantly improve the lives of children. A target to end violence against children must be retained in the post-2015 development agenda. 2. Develop foundations that will allow implementation to begin in January 2016. An aspiration to end violence must be turned into something more concrete. Priorities include forming the partnership to scale up action to prevent violence and protect children and the coalition of pathfinder countries prepared to act first. 3. Create opportunities for world leaders to pledge support for urgent action to protect children. Champions are needed to advocate for implementation of targets to end all forms of violence against children. The Financing for Development conference in July and Heads of State and Government Summit in September 2015 should be used to announce ambitious commitments. Details: New York: New York University, Center on International Cooperation, 2014. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 18, 2014 at: http://www.globaldashboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/If_Not_Now_When_Final_201014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.globaldashboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/If_Not_Now_When_Final_201014.pdf Shelf Number: 134138 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ExploitationChild MaltreatmentChild TraffickingChild VictimsViolence Against Children |
Author: Moestue, Helen Title: Digitally Enhanced Child Protection: How new technology can prevent violence against children in the Global South Summary: The last decade has witnessed growing appreciation of the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to protect children from violence. The issue of violence against children (VAC) is of singular importance. And while the full scope and scale of VAC remains hidden from view there is wide spread consensus that "every year and in every region of the world, millions of children suffer the cumulative impact of physical, mental and emotional violence, and millions more are at risk". Although ICT innovation for child protection is comparatively advanced in North America and Western Europe, there is less known about new tools in lower- and middle-income settings in the Americas, Africa and Asia. This Strategic Paper begins filling this knowledge gap and reviews the emerging character and functions of ICTs to prevent VAC in the global South. Drawing on assorted cases from Benin, Brazil, Kenya, Uganda and other countries, it provides a hint of the diversity of emerging experiences around the world. In the process, the Strategic Paper provides insights into emerging trends, typologies, and threats. Key findings include: - Mobile and digital technology are being harnessed in multiple ways to protect children, including through: (a) the digitization of existing child protection systems (b) helplines (c) citizen reporting and crowd mapping (d) mobile research and survey tools(e) big data analysis, and (f) tech-driven campaigning and information sharing; - These initiatives frequently combine the offer of assistance to children with the collection of real time data. This model in turn generates critical information for advocacy and can inform future child protection interventions; - Such approaches save time and money, and are breaking down the social, cultural and practical barriers to violence reporting. However, digital data collection raises important ethical questions about consent and confidentiality; - Innovation is emerging from a wide range of fields, including child protection, social development, the humanitarian sector, public health and the wider violence prevention field, and is often facilitated by creative public-private partnerships. Different disciplines are using the same tools; - Basic SMS based reporting systems have immense potential. Certain open source digital platforms offer the potential for scaling-up, especially systems such as Frontline SMS, Rapid SMS and Ushahidi, which integrate basic mobile phones for crowd-sourcing violence reporting and community mapping; and - There is a widening array of initiatives that enable children themselves to be informed, empowered and included in their own protection. Digitized survey tools, that can be used for and by children even in emergency settings, include Open Data Kit and Kobo Toolbox. The Strategic Paper considers the emerging landscapes of ICTs for VAC. It first sets the scene exploring the character and dynamics of violence against children, especially in low- and middle-income settings. The opening section also considers the expansion of ICTs and ethical implications in their application among children and youth. The second section introduces a typology of different ICTs including the digitization of child protection systems, child helplines, citizen reporting and crowd mapping, mobile research tools, Big Data analytics and technology-enabled campaigns. Section three explores how different sectors and disciplines are engaging with these new tools - including child protection experts, relief and development professionals and the public health community. The Paper closes with a brief consideration of next steps in the evolution of ICTs to prevent and reduce VAC. Details: Rio de Janeiro: Igarape Institute, 2014. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Strategic Paper 10: Accessed January 28, 2015 at: http://igarape.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Artigo-estrategico-10-Child-Protection-4.pdf Year: 134475 Country: International URL: http://igarape.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Artigo-estrategico-10-Child-Protection-4.pdf Shelf Number: 134475 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionChildren, Crimes AgainstDigital TechnologiesViolence Against Children |
Author: CP MERG Title: Ethical principles, dilemmas and risks in collecting data on violence against children: A review of available literature Summary: Ethical guidelines are crucial when carrying out research on violence against children (VAC). Such guidelines help to minimize the risk of potential harm resulting from the data collection process to participants, researchers and others, and ensure that any remaining risks are outweighed by the potential benefits. Research ethics and methodologies are closely linked, with ethically sound research protocols and tools adding to the value of the research. Recent years have seen growing efforts to collect data on VAC and close gaps on child protection monitoring, evaluation and research. However, there are, as yet, no internationally recommended or agreed upon ethical guidelines for VAC research. This literature review is a contribution to the foundations for the development of such ethical guidelines. It aims to capture current thinking around ethical issues and provide empirical support to guide recommendations for ethical research practice and decision-making in collecting data on VAC. The review was prepared on behalf of the Technical Working Group on Data Collection on Violence against Children (part of the Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group). A sister project that has been carried out simultaneously to this research provides a more detailed inventory and assessment of existing tools and methods to collect data on VAC. This review examines documentation, including both published and 'grey' literature that is of specific relevance to research ethics in collecting data on VAC. It includes ethics guidelines, codes, protocols and practice-related documentation, as well as research-based publications. An Internet-based search was used to identify and locate documentation for review. The review has six main sections: 1. An introduction to the review and its aims. 2. A discussion of the scope and methodology of the review. 3. A review of ethics documentation, such as guidelines, codes and standards, focusing on aspects relevant to VAC. This starts with an overview of ethical principles and frameworks to provide a philosophical context for the paper, followed by a review of the documentation used to guide the implementation of ethics in research with children, and ethical policy and codes. 4. A review of publications relevant to ethics in research on VAC. 5. A discussion of the ethical challenges and dilemmas that emerged during the review process and possible recommendations from the literature. 6. Concluding comments. Details: New York: Statistics and Monitoring Section/Division of Policy and Strategy, UNICEF, 2012. 93p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 7, 2015 at: http://data.unicef.org/corecode/uploads/document6/uploaded_pdfs/corecode/EPDRCLitReview_193.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://data.unicef.org/corecode/uploads/document6/uploaded_pdfs/corecode/EPDRCLitReview_193.pdf Shelf Number: 134563 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionCriminal Justice EthicsViolence Against Children |
Author: Beckett, Helen Title: Suffering in silence: Children and unreported crime Summary: This report presents the findings of a Scoping Inquiry into the hidden victimisation of children and young people, undertaken on behalf of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Victims and Witnesses of Crime. The Inquiry was commissioned in response to findings from the most recent Crime Survey for England and Wales which indicates that less than one-fifth of children and young people who experience theft or violent crime report this to the police. The charity Victim Support, who provides the secretariat to the APPG, undertook research for the Inquiry in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire. Evidence was gathered in four ways: - a short review of existing literature; - an analysis of relevant data sources including the Crime Survey for England and Wales; - a rapid call for evidence from charities, service providers, statutory bodies and campaigners; and - three focus groups with children and young people. Details: London: Victim Support, 2014. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 16, 2015 at: Year: 2014 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 134632 Keywords: Children, Crimes Against (U.K.)TheftVictims of CrimesViolence Against Children |
Author: World Health Organization Title: Improving efforts to prevent children's exposure to violence: a handbook for defining programme theory and planning for evaluation in the new evidence-based culture Summary: As part of a global movement to direct greater attention and resources to child protection, programmes aimed at reducing children's exposure to violence are being implemented with increasing frequency across the world. These programmes are diverse and range from raising public awareness of the issues to widening and strengthening government policies and protective structures, improving children's and families' access to medical, therapeutic and legal support, and increasing children's and parents' protective skills. Over the last several decades a substantial body of research has accumulated, providing much needed information about the experience of violence in childhood. We now know that child abuse, neglect, peer violence, sexual victimization and exposure to domestic and community violence are suffered by very large numbers of children. We understand much more about the serious negative consequences of violence exposure on children's physical and mental health, effects that can carry through from generation to generation. In addition, we have come to appreciate that children's health and safety concerns often cluster together, and that children and families with the fewest resources often suffer from disproportionate levels of exposure to violence. Evaluation research has also helped us to identify which prevention and intervention strategies work well and make the biggest difference to children's well-being. What is needed now is a global movement to build on this knowledge in order to channel programme efforts in increasingly effective ways. Given the seriousness of the problem of children's exposure to violence and the scarcity of resources with which to tackle it, our focus should be to ensure that: - new programmes and initiatives are grounded in research knowledge; - programmes are routinely evaluated so that we continue to learn more about what works and what does not. It is only by sharing, using and growing the evidence base that we will hasten our positive impact on the lives and well-being of children worldwide. This handbook is intended to help implementing agencies (e.g. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), development/foreign aid agencies, community-based organizations, not-for-profit agencies) make better use of existing research and plan for evaluation when designing and implementing child violence prevention programmes, and also to convey these intentions to potential funding organizations. Details: Geneva, SWIT: WHO, 2014. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 12, 2015 at: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/144308/1/9789241507882_eng.pdf?ua=1 Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/144308/1/9789241507882_eng.pdf?ua=1 Shelf Number: 134911 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionEvidence-Based PracticesViolence Against Children |
Author: Morna, Janine Title: Vulnerable Students, Unsafe Schools: Attacks and Military Use of Schools in the Central African Republic Summary: Vulnerable Students, Unsafe Schools: Attacks and Military Use of Schools in the Central African Republic was launched in New York on September 10, 2015 and highlights the risks students and teachers face in schools in the Central African Republic (CAR). Based on field research, the report details attacks on schools by parties to the conflict and military use of schools by armed groups and, on occasion, international peacekeeping forces. It also provides policy recommendations to key stakeholders, including the Transitional Government of CAR, armed groups, humanitarian actors, and United Nations agencies, to strengthen children's right to education. Details: New York: Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, 2015. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 18, 2015 at: http://watchlist.org/vulnerable-students-unsafe-schools-attacks-and-military-use-of-schools-in-the-central-african-republic/ Year: 2015 Country: Africa URL: http://watchlist.org/vulnerable-students-unsafe-schools-attacks-and-military-use-of-schools-in-the-central-african-republic/ Shelf Number: 136819 Keywords: Child ProtectionSchool SafetySchool SecurityViolence Against Children |
Author: United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF Title: Violence Against Children in Kenya: Findings from a 2010 National Survey Summary: The 2010 Kenya Violence against Children Study (VACs) is the first national survey of violence against both female and male children in Kenya. The survey is the most up to date National assessment of households covering 1,306 females and 1,622 males aged between 13 to 24 years. The Kenya VACs was designed to yield lifetime and current experiences of emotional , physical and sexual violations for female and male children from the following age groups: - 18 to 24 year olds who experienced acts of violence prior to age 18 (lifetime events). - 13 to 17 year olds who experienced acts of violence during the 12 months prior to the survey (current events). The 2010 Kenya VACs was guided by a Technical Working Group (TWG). The group was assembled in view of their expertise in issues of children in Kenya and the mandates of their organizations. The findings from the survey indicate that violence against children is a serious problem in Kenya. Levels of violence prior to age 18 as reported by 18 to 24 year olds (lifetime experiences) indicate that during childhood, 32% of females and 18% of males experience sexual violence . 66% of females and 73% of males experienced physical violence and 26% of females and 32% of males experience any violence as a child. 13% of females and 9% of males experienced all three types of violence during childhood. The most common perpetrators of sexual violence for females and males were found to be boyfriends/girlfriends/romantic partners comprising 47% and 43% respectively followed by neighbors, 27% and 21% respectively. Mothers and fathers were the most common perpetrator of physical violence by family members. For males, teachers followed by Police were the most common perpetrators of physical violence by an authority figure. Emotional violence for both females and males was most often inflicted by parents. Regardless of the type of violence, less than one out of every females or males who experienced sexual, physical, or emotional violence as a child knew of a place to go to seed professional help. Most importantly, less than 10% of females and males who experienced sexual, physical or emotional violence as a child actually received some form of professional help. Females aged 18 to 24 who reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood were significantly more likely to report feelings of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and fair/poor health than those females who did not experience sexual violence. Three out of every ten females 30% aged 18 to 24 who reported experiencing unwanted completed intercourse before the age of 18 (i.e., sex that was physically forced or pressured ) became pregnant as a result. About 90% of females and males who experienced sexual violence as a child reported of a place to go for HIV testing. Among females aged 18 to 24 who experienced sexual violence as a child, about 7% had received money for sex compared to 2% of those who did not experience violence prior to age 18. Females and males age 18 to 24 who experienced sexual violence prior to age 18 (7% versus 2% for females; 53% versus 35% for males). Over half females and males age 18 to 24, regardless of whether they experienced violence prior to 18, believe that it is acceptable for a husband to beat his wife. Furthermore, 40% of females and 50% of males believed that a woman should tolerate spousal violence in order to keep her family together. Details: Nairobi: UNICEF - Kenya Office, 2012. 178p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 20, 2015 at: https://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/documents/docs/VAC_in_Kenya.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya URL: https://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/documents/docs/VAC_in_Kenya.pdf Shelf Number: 137028 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentEmotional AbuseFamily ViolenceRapeSex OffensesSexual ViolenceViolence Against Children |
Author: African Child Policy Forum Title: The African Report on Violence against Children Summary: This report, The African Report on Violence against Children, the first comprehensive analysis of violence against children in Africa, comes at an opportune moment in the history of child rights in Africa and the world. It comes at a time when the child rights community is taking stock of the progress made in advancing child rights 25 years since the adoption of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the un Convention on the Rights of the Child. The report makes an in-depth exposition of the magnitude as well as the causes and consequences of violence against children and analyses the various vulnerability factors that underlie or aggravate violence such as, gender, social practices, homelessness and disability. The report looks into the multifarious community and family cosmos within which the African child grows. It analyses how a complex web of community values and socio-cultural factors bear upon the child's upbringing and protection, and how some of these factors may occasionally expose the child to violence. The report seeks to find answers for why the problem of violence still persists despite the proliferation of child protection programmes and services by critically examining both the achievements and the gaps cutting across the legislative and programmatic realms. Building upon existing efforts and persisting gaps the report lays down the priorities for action at various levels and the interface that is required amongst the various actors for better protection of children. The report calls for a shift towards a systems approach to child protection that emphasises prevention and collaborative responses at multiple levels, including at the family and community levels. The report echoes what others have reiterated in the past that violence, in whatever form, is unacceptable and cannot be justified on cultural or religious grounds whatsoever. Details: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: African Child Policy Forum, 2014. 134p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 20, 2015 at: https://app.box.com/s/iclv9c70sigmceyl30ym Year: 2014 Country: Africa URL: https://app.box.com/s/iclv9c70sigmceyl30ym Shelf Number: 137032 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild WelfareViolence Against Children |
Author: Dobson, Rebecca Title: From a Whisper to a Shout: A Call to End Violence Against Children in Alternative Care Summary: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recognises children as the subjects of rights, as well as their vulnerability and need for "special safeguards and care". Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the UNCRC is notably one of the most ratified UN conventions in history and has done much to progress the rights of children globally. And yet, in our global society with international conventions endorsing the "rights" of all, some of our most vulnerable children continue to suffer from extreme forms of violence and abuse. This report demonstrates that even when children are presumed to be in the care of society itself they are vulnerable to and at risk of violence. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has identified "children not living with their biological parents, but in various forms of alternative care" as one of the groups of children who are "likely to be exposed to violence". Without the fundamental protection of a caring family, these children are vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Without "suitable" quality care, they risk violence at the hands of their caregivers, families, peers and the wider community. In 2009, the UN endorsed the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children (the Guidelines). These set out "desirable orientations for policy and practice" to "enhance" the implementation of the UNCRC for children in alternative care. The Guidelines reiterate the right of "Every child and young person [to] live in a supportive, protective and caring environment that promotes his/her full potential". This report draws on evidence from an extensive global literature review, and assessments of the implementation of the Guidelines in 21 countries around the world. It makes bold claims about high levels of vulnerability and risk of violence facing children in alternative care, but concludes that violence is not inevitable, and with an emphasis on providing quality care it is possible to mitigate the risks of harm for all children. Details: Innsbruck,Austria: SOS Children's Villages International; Luton, UK: University of Bedfordshire, 2014. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 13, 2016 at: http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/getmedia/345ec018-7dd1-4ad1-a387-48fdabfb7297/From-a-whisper-to-a-shout-A4-EN-WEB-final.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/getmedia/345ec018-7dd1-4ad1-a387-48fdabfb7297/From-a-whisper-to-a-shout-A4-EN-WEB-final.pdf Shelf Number: 138643 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionViolence Against Children |
Author: Foussard, Cedric Title: Addressing Juvenile Justice Priorities in the Asia-Pacific Region Summary: The International Juvenile Justice Observatory (IJJO) is proud to present the 'Addressing Juvenile Justice Priorities in the Asia-Pacific Region(link is external)' report. The aim of this report is to identify and analyse the priority issues for juvenile justice systems in the Asia-Pacific region. Accordingly, the report deals with the issues of violence against children in the juvenile justice system, restorative justice, cross-border issues and diversionary and alternative measures. It was produced by the IJJO's Asia-Pacific Council for Juvenile Justice, with the support of the Department for Juvenile Observation and Protection of the Ministry of Justice of Thailand. This report is unique in the sense that it is comprised of a theoretical framework, snapshots from countries in the Asia-Pacific region and policy-oriented workshops. Promising practices are presented to give an overview of what can be done, in practice, to improve the development of juvenile justice systems in line with human rights standards. The report outlines the need to improve the juvenile justice system in accordance with human rights standards, including safeguards and policies in this area. The report is based on the Second Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Council for Juvenile Justice held in Phuket in May 2015. Representatives from governments in the Asia-Pacific region, academia, judiciary and NGO's discussed "Policy Recommendations on Violence against Children; Alternatives to Detention; Restorative Justice in the Asia-Pacific Region". The meeting focused on three areas in particular: violence against children, alternatives to detention and restorative justice. Each of these subjects was tackled using a multilayered approach. The first theme that is discussed in the report is violence against children. As children find themselves in particular vulnerable circumstances when they are in contact with the law, children can be easy targets of different types of violence: psychological pressure, abuse of power, degrading treatment and physical violence are only a few examples. This violence often remains invisible, causing it to be unrecorded and unprosecuted. Tackling this issue is a priority for governments and requires specific safeguards and complaint and monitoring mechanisms. The second theme that is addressed in the report concerns diversionary measures and alternatives to detention. Detention is an overused measure to bring children to justice. Custody for children and young people should only be used as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time. Children are extremely vulnerable when they are in detention, so the necessary safeguards must be put in place. Furthermore, effective diversion and alternative measures based in the community facilitate reintegration into society. Governments should make it a priority to implement effective diversion and alternative measures in order to promote the development of the child and to limit the amount of children deprived of their liberty. The last theme that is analysed in the report is restorative justice. Restorative justice can be used as a diversionary or alternative measure. Restorative justice is particularly interesting because it can be used to address the child's specific needs. Furthermore, restorative justice aims to promote reconciliation between the parties, adding a rehabilitative purpose. The last section of the report specifies the priorities of the Asia-Pacific Council for Juvenile Justice in the region. The APCJJ Subcommittee for ASEAN has established that cross-border safeguards for children in contact with the law should be brought to the attention of the member states. As member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are working towards opening their borders, this issue becomes extremely relevant. The report concludes with some key recommendations on every topic that was addressed. The most important recommendations represented in this report are, in summary: 1.Reducing the number of children in contact with the justice system, for instance, by avoiding criminalization of statutory offences and setting an appropriate age of criminal responsibility, which is an effective way to avoid the risk of secondary victimization within the justice system; 2.Ensuring that deprivation of liberty is only used as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time, by promoting available and effective options of diversion, as well as alternatives to detention; 3.Fostering diversion measures, as it allows to reduce the cost of court proceedings and generally proves to be more responsive to the needs of first time and non-serious offenders; 4.Ensuring that legislation guarantees the recourse to diversion at every stage of the criminal justice proceedings; 5.During restorative processes, both the offender and the victim shall enjoy fair trial guarantees to avoid secondary victimization and ensure fairness of the proceeding. Restorative principles, such as voluntary participation, confidentiality and neutrality of the mediator, should be guaranteed by law; 6.Facilitators shall be offered high quality training, both as a precondition to get in contact with children, as well as throughout their experience in restorative practices; 7.National legislation shall ensure that every child has the right to equal and fair treatment, regardless of their nationality; 8.Legislation shall enshrine the right to privacy of children: any information collected in the course of the proceeding is not to become public, even after the child has reach 18 years of age. Details: Brussels: International Juvenile Justice Observatory (IJJO), 2016. 58p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed April 23, 2016 at: http://www.apcjj.org/sites/default/files/oijj_asia-pacific_council_2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: http://www.apcjj.org/sites/default/files/oijj_asia-pacific_council_2016.pdf Shelf Number: 138793 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationChild Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionJuvenile Justice SystemsRestorative JusticeViolence Against Children |
Author: World Health Organization Title: INSPIRE: Seven Strategies for Ending Violence Against Children Summary: Globally, hundreds of millions of children - up to one billion - have experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence in the past year. INSPIRE: seven strategies for ending violence against children identifies a select group of strategies that have shown success in reducing violence against children. They are: implementation and enforcement of laws; norms and values; safe environments; parent and caregiver support; income and economic strengthening; response and support services; and education and life skills. INSPIRE is WHO's main contribution to the newly established Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children. Details: Geneva, SWIT: WHO, 2016. 108p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 6, 2016 at: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/207717/1/9789241565356-eng.pdf?ua=1 Year: 2016 Country: International URL: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/207717/1/9789241565356-eng.pdf?ua=1 Shelf Number: 140021 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentViolence Against ChildrenViolence Prevention |
Author: U.S. National Institute of Justice Title: Compendium of Research on Children Exposed to Violence (CEV) 2010-2015 Summary: Introduction to CEV Compendium Children may experience violence in many settings, including at home, in school, online or in neighborhoods, and in many forms, such as bullying or harassment by peers, domestic violence, child maltreatment and community violence. For the purposes of this compendium, studies have been included if they relate to the topic of children exposed to violence broadly defined. Studies funded under NIJ's CEV solicitation are included as well studies funded in other portfolios if they relate to the topic. The Teen Dating Violence studies are also included in the VAWA Compendium, which is publically available. This compendium only includes studies funded from 2010 forward. Where final reports are a vailable in print, a NCJ number will be listed. All NCJ numbers listed herein can be searched through the "Library/Abstracts" link on the National Criminal Justice Reference Center (NCJRS) home page, https ://www.ncjrs.gov. A search by NCJ number will yield an abstract of the final report as well as an Adobe PDF link to a copy of the final report or go to the publisher's website. Final reports may also be found through a search by Author, Title or Subject. The abstracts included in this document are presented as provided by the grantees in their research proposals and have not been edited. Details: Washington, DC: NIJ, 2016. 110p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 6, 2016 at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/249940.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/249940.pdf Shelf Number: 140022 Keywords: Children Exposed to ViolenceViolence Against ChildrenViolent Crime |
Author: Hillis, Susan D. Title: THRIVES: A Global Technical Package to Prevention Violence Against Children Summary: THRIVES, developed by the Centers for Disease Control, is a collection of select strategies that have been graded to various critieria, showing that they are both effective/promising and include prudent practice. These strategies have been found to reflect the best available evidence to help countries sharpen their focus on priorities with the greatest potential to reduce violence against children. THRIVES includes the following strategies: T - Training in parenting H - Household economic strengthening R - Reduced violence through legal protection I - Improved services V - Values and norms that protect children E - Education and life skills S - Surveillance and evaluation Details: Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control, 2015. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 27, 2016 at: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/31482 Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/31482 Shelf Number: 140058 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionViolence Against ChildrenViolence Prevention |
Author: Lynch, Margaret A. Title: National Study on Violence against Children in Georgia: 2007-2008 Summary: The Global Report on the United Nations Secretary-General's Study on Violence against Children brought to the attention of the whole world the high scale of all forms of violence against children. It encouraged and recommended countries to undertake further research and analysis on the magnitude of violence against children. The Study on Violence against Children in Georgia commissioned by UNICEF in collaboration with local governmental and non-governmental sectors and the International Society for the Prevention of Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) is therefore the result of these recommendations. The National Study on Violence against Children describes the scale of child abuse and neglect in families, schools, residential settings for children deprived of parental care, and collective centres for internally displaced persons throughout Georgia. It illustrates the experience of Georgian children living through violence and it provides directions for preventing violence and protecting children from its consequences. The Study reveals that the incidence of violence against children in Georgia is as high as all studied settings in Europe and in other countries where the same tool has been used. Overall, in the year 2007 approximately 80% of boys and girls in Georgia suffered from some form of physical and psychological violence (79.8% and 82.3% for physical and psychological violence). While the most common forms of reported physical punishments may not be considered severe (smacking on the bottom with a hand, pulling hair and twisting ears), there are instances of more severe forms. The most common psychological punishments are yelling, calling derisory names and cursing the child. There are also instances noted of positive discipline approaches, which need to be built upon and strengthened. Both Global and National studies published in Georgian and English, provide a strong basis for the development of policies aimed to protect children from violence and to prevent all forms of violence against children, raise public awareness, and train professionals working with children to take appropriate action. Both studies will guide the State and other entities to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Details: Tbilisi: Public Health Foundation of Georgia (PHF), 2008. 156p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 15, 2016 at: http://phmdf.ge/22eng/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Violence_Study_ENG.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Georgia URL: http://phmdf.ge/22eng/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Violence_Study_ENG.pdf Shelf Number: 140310 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionViolence Against Children |
Author: International NGO Council on Violence Against Children Title: Creating a Non-Violent Juvenile Justice System Summary: During the past decades, the international community has developed sound normative standards to protect the rights of children involved with the justice system. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and other legal instruments call for a specialized child-sensitive juvenile justice system that places the respect for the dignity and the best interest of the child at the center of legislation, policy and practice, while promoting children's sense of worth and long lasting reintegration in society. The governance gap between these important international standards and implementation efforts on the ground is, however, wide. Countless children across regions continue to see their rights neglected by laws and institutions and endure harsh and retributive punishments that stigmatize and marginalize them further. Children who are homeless and poor, who have fled home as a result of violence or neglect; as well as, those that suffer from mental health illness and substance abuse find themselves at special risk. Appropriate crime prevention efforts, support to parents and legal guardians to ensure a safe family environment, and education and work opportunities for children who are old enough to have access to an employment, are often lacking. The criminal justice system ends up being used as a substitute to weak or non-existent child protection systems. And imprisonment and recidivism become a pattern for children who are left with very few opportunities to re-shape their future. In order to reverse this serious situation and reduce the risk of violence against children, their involvement with the criminal justice system must be prevented. The development of a strong and cohesive child protection system should be a first priority and the current standards on the rights of the child in the juvenile justice system should be effectively implemented so that criminalization and punishment of children can be avoided, diversion and restorative justice solutions can be given a genuine chance of succeeding, and the development of children's fullest potential be effectively promoted. Details: International NGO Council on Violence Against Children. 2013. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 27, 2016 at: http://www.childhelplineinternational.org/media/80443/inco_-_juvenile_justice.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.childhelplineinternational.org/media/80443/inco_-_juvenile_justice.pdf Shelf Number: 140474 Keywords: Juvenile Justice PolicyJuvenile Justice ReformJuvenile Justice SystemsViolence Against Children |
Author: Defence for Children International Title: Reducing violence against children, with special focus on sexual exploitation of children and child sex tourism in 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East Summary: Violence against children is a grave human rights violation. The human, social and economic costs of denying children their right to protection are huge and unacceptable. Universal and regional legal instruments set clear and attainable standards to protect children from sexual violence and exploitation. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child requires States to provide measures protecting children against neglect, abuse and sexual exploitation, and to provide child victims with special help to recover and reintegrate into society. In the past ten years, the full range and scale of (sexual) violence against children worldwide has become increasingly visible.1 Violence against children, including gender based violence, sexual violence and exploitation, are pervasive violations of children's rights which remain widespread. To reduce violence against children, with special focus on sexual exploitation of children and child sex tourism, the specific objective is to ensure a greater, more effective Civil Society response. Furthermore, the programme will provide evidence based global guidance to combat sexual exploitation of children in Travel and Tourism. In this programme, Defence for Children - ECPAT The Netherlands works to combat violence against children, with a special focus on sexual exploitation and child sex tourism, in 30 countries, in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. In every country, or set of countries, the programme will be adjusted to the specific problems the country faces and the related specific needs of children. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Defence for Children, 2014. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 19, 2016 at: http://www.defenceforchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DCINetherlands_Programme2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://www.defenceforchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DCINetherlands_Programme2014.pdf Shelf Number: 145382 Keywords: Child Sex TourismChild Sexual ExploitationViolence against Children |
Author: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Title: Violence Against Children in Haiti: Findings from a National Survey 2012 Summary: The 2012 Violence against Children Survey (VACS) in Haiti is the first national survey of violence against children in the Republic of Haiti. Implemented in June of 2012 the VACS is a nationally representative household survey of females and males 13 to 24 years of age that is based on a three–stage cluster design that yields separate estimates of experiences of sexual, physical, and emotional violence prior to age 18 years for both females and males in Haiti. The survey incorporated standard enumeration areas, known as Section d'Enumération (SDE), as well as the internally displaced persons (IDP) living in camps/tent settlements resulting from the 2010 earthquake. There were a total of 2916 completed interviews: 1457 females with an overall response rate 85.6% and 1459 males with overall response rate 82.0%. The primary purpose of the survey was to estimate the (1) lifetime prevalence of childhood violence, defined as violence occurring before 18 years of age and (2) prevalence of childhood violence in the 12 months prior to the survey among 13 to 17 year olds. The survey included a short questionnaire for an adult in the household to build rapport with the family and to determine current socio-economics of the household. The respondent questionnaire for 13 to 24 year olds includes the following topics: demographics; socioeconomic status; parental relations; education; general connectedness to family, friends, and community; marital status; domestic servitude; displacement following the January 2010 earthquake; sexual behavior and practices; sex in exchange for money or goods; pregnancy; HIV/ AIDS testing; experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual violence; health outcomes associated with exposure to violence; and utilization and barriers to services. The findings from the survey indicate that violence against children is a serious problem in Haiti: 1 out of 4 females and 1 out of 5 males in Haiti have experienced at least one incident of sexual abuse prior to the age of 18 years. In addition, almost two-thirds of both females and males experienced physical violence prior to 18 years by an adult household members or authority figures in the community and approximately one-third experienced emotional violence during childhood (i.e., prior to turning 18) by an adult household member. The results of this survey have significant implications for the design and implementation of Haitian specific prevention and response programs and policies to address abuse and violence against children. The 2012 VACS Haiti would not have been possible without the partnership and collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Interuniversity Institute for Research and Development (INURED), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Multi-Sectoral Task Force known as the Comité de Coordination (CC), and Together for Girls Partnership. The guidance and creation of the CC, which includes representation from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights, Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Brigade for the Protection of Minors, and other key governmental and non–governmental partners, was critical to the survey’s success. KEY FINDINGS Prevalence of Violence against Children Sexual violence (sexual abuse and exploitation) experienced in childhood: One out of 4 females aged 13 to 24 years in Haiti experienced at least one incident of sexual abuse before turning 18 years of age. Among males in the same age group, 1 out of 5 experienced at least one incident of sexual abuse prior to the age of 18. Among those who experienced at least one incident of sexual abuse prior to age 18 years, 69.5% of females and 85.4% of males had multiple incidents (i.e., two or more incidents) of sexual abuse. The most common form of sexual abuse experienced by both females and males before the age of 18 was unwanted sexual touching, followed by unwanted attempted sex. Of those who had their first sexual intercourse prior to age 18, 1 out of 5 females and 1 out of 10 males experienced their first sexual intercourse as unwilling, meaning that they were forced or coerced to engage in sexual intercourse. In the 12 months preceding the survey, nearly 1 out of 5 females and 1 out of 10 males aged 13 to 17 years experienced at least one incident of sexual abuse. About 4% of females and 7% of males received money, food, gifts, or other favors in exchange for sex prior to age 18 years. Physical violence experienced in childhood: Almost two-thirds of both females and males aged 18 to 24 years in Haiti experienced physical violence by adult household members or authority figures in the community, such as teachers, prior to the age of 18 years. Approximately one-third of females and males aged 13 to 17 years experienced physical violence in the 12 months prior to the survey. Ninety percent of females and 85.7% of males aged 13–17 years perceived that their most recent experience of physical violence by an adult household member or authority figure in the past 12 months was intended as disciplinary action or punishment. Emotional violence experienced in childhood: Approximately one-third of both females and males in Haiti experienced emotional violence by an adult household member prior to turning 18 years of age. Nearly thirty percent (27.8%) of females and 16.2% of males aged 13 to 17 years experienced emotional violence by an adult household member in the 12 months preceding the survey. Overlap of Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Violence in Childhood Sexual, physical, and emotional violence commonly overlapped in childhood in Haiti. One-third of females and one out of 4 males aged 13 to 24 years experienced multiple types of violence prior to age 18. Females were significantly more likely to experience multiple forms of violence during childhood than males. Perpetrators of Violence against Children Perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse: Boyfriends or romantic partners followed by friends or classmates, neighbors, and strangers were the most frequent perpetrators of first incidents of child sexual abuse. Among males of similar age, friends or classmates followed by girlfriends or romantic partners were the most frequently reported perpetrators of first incidents of childhood sexual abuse. More than three quarters of females and approximately one-third of males who experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18 reported that the perpetrator of their first incident of abuse was at least 5 years older than they were at the time of the incident. Perpetrators of childhood physical violence: Among 18–24 year olds who experienced physical violence before turning 18 by an adult household member or an authority figure in the community, approximately 6 out of 10 females and males experienced at least one incident of child physical violence by a mother and/or father. In the same group more than 8 out of 10 females and males that had experienced physical violence had at least one incident of physical violence that was perpetrated by a teacher, more commonly a male teacher. Similar patterns of perpetration were observed among 13–17 year olds who experienced physical violence in the 12 months prior to the survey. Perpetrators of childhood emotional violence: Among 18–24 year olds who had any incidents of emotional abuse prior to age 18, approximately 4 out of 10 females and males experienced at least one incident of child emotional violence by a mother. Furthermore, approximately one-third of both females and males in this same group experienced at least once incident of child emotional violence by a father. Among females 13–17 year olds who had any incidents of emotional abuse in 12 months prior to the survey, more than half experienced emotional violence by a mother. Context of Childhood Sexual Violence Against Children Where the sexual abuse occurred: Almost 6 out of 10 of both females and males who had experienced sexual violence prior to age 18 indicated that at least one of their experiences of sexual abuse took place in their own home or tent, or the home or tent of the perpetrator. The most common location, however, for both females and males was their own home or tent. About 1 in 5, 18–24 year old females reported an incident occurred on a road. Among 13–17 year old females and males the most common location for the most recent incident of sexual abuse occurring during the last year was on a road. Childhood Domestic Servitude and Violence Childhood domestic servitude was significantly associated with experiencing sexual and emotional violence prior to age 18 among both females and males aged 18 to 24 years. Among 13–17 year olds, female domestic servants were significantly more likely than peers who were not servants to have experienced sexual and physical violence in the preceding 12 months, while emotional violence was more likely in both male and female domestic servants. Sexual Abuse Among Displaced Populations Approximately a quarter of 13 to 24 year olds were displaced or moved due to the earthquake. Not all of those who were displaced moved to camps. About 1 in 5 respondents lived in a camp or resettled area following the earthquake in 2010 for any period of time. Overall, displacement following the earthquake was not associated with experiencing sexual abuse subsequent to the earthquake among females aged 13–24. However, females aged 13–24 years displaced into or living in camps or tent settlements specifically, were significantly more likely to have experienced sexual abuse after the earthquake as compared to all females aged 13–24 years, displaced or not, who were not living in camps or tent settlements. Surprisingly, for males aged 13–24 displacement following the earthquake was protective of sexual abuse subsequent to the earthquake and living in camps or tent settlements was not associated with an increased risk of sexual abuse. Service Uptake for Violence Approximately 6 out of 10 females and 4 out of 10 males aged 18 to 24 years who experienced child sexual abuse prior to age 18 years told someone about an incident of sexual abuse. Only 1 out of 10 females and 1 out of 15 males who experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18 received any professional services of any kind, including medical, mental health, legal, or protection services, for the sexual abuse. Approximately 1 out of 10 females and males who experienced physical violence prior to age 18 received any professional services of any kind for an incident of physical violence. Health Outcomes of Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Violence Females aged 18–24 years who experienced any sexual abuse or any physical or emotional violence prior to age 18 were more likely to have been diagnosed or have had symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as compared to those who did not experience any of these incidents. Furthermore, females who experienced child emotional violence were also more likely to have ever experienced suicidal ideation. Sixteen percent of females who experienced unwanted completed sex prior to age 18 became pregnant as a result of at least one of the incidents. Males who experienced any emotional violence prior to age 18 were more likely to ever experience suicidal ideation as well as to have been diagnosed with or have had symptoms of an STI as compared to those who did not experience emotional violence. Females aged 13–17 who experienced sexual abuse in the past year reported significantly higher rates of drinking alcohol, suicidal ideation, and diagnoses or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections as compared to those who did not experience sexual violence. In addition, females aged 13–17 who experienced physical or emotional violence in the past year were significantly more likely to report serious mental distress than those who did not experience either type of violence. The experience of emotional violence among females aged 13–17 was also significantly associated with suicidal ideation and having a diagnoses or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections when compared to those who did not experience emotional violence. Sexual Abuse and HIV/AIDS Testing Knowledge and Testing Behaviors Approximately two-thirds of females aged 18–24 years who experienced any sexual abuse prior to age 18 knew where to go for an HIV test, however, less than half were ever tested. Among males of similar age, half of those who experienced any sexual abuse prior to age 18 knew where to go for an HIV test and only 1 out of 10 were ever tested. Violence and Sexual Risk Taking Behavior The study examined the prevalence of sexual risk taking behaviors in the 12 months prior to the survey among 19 to 24 year olds and their association with childhood violence in order to ensure exposure to childhood violence preceded involvement in sexual risk taking behavior. Over a third (36.4%) of sexually active females aged 19–24 years who experienced child sexual abuse had multiple sex partners in the past 12 months compared to 29.4% of 19–24 year old females who had not experienced child sexual abuse. Females aged 19–24 years who experienced child physical violence were more likely to have received gifts, food, or favors in exchange for sex during the past 12 months compared to those who had not experienced child physical violence. Females aged 19–24 years who experienced childhood emotional violence were more likely to use condoms infrequently in the last 12 months compared to those who had not experienced childhood emotional violence. Attitudes towards Spousal Violence and the Role of Gender in Sexual Practices and Intimate Partner Violence Nearly half of all females and 2 out of 5 of males aged 13–17 years believed that a man is justified in hitting or beating his wife if she goes out without telling him, if she neglects the children, if she argues with him, if she refuses to have sex with him, or if she burns the food. More than half of females and males aged 13–17 years believed that it is men who should decide when to have sex, that men need more sex than women, that men need other women, that women who carry condoms are "loose", or that women should tolerate violence in order to keep their family together. Details: Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014. 192p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 3, 2016 at: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/violence-haiti.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Haiti URL: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/violence-haiti.pdf Shelf Number: 144993 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild Sexual AbuseSexual ViolenceViolence against Children |
Author: International NGO Council on Violence Against Children Title: 10 Years On: Global Progress & Delay in Ending Violence Against Children - The Rhetoric & the Reality Summary: The International NGO Council on Violence Against Children formed in 2007, to support strong and effective follow-up to the UN Study on Violence against Children. Now, as the Sustainable Development Goals adopt the call to end all violence against children and the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children take up the mantle of pursuing this goal, the NGO Council publishes its fourth and final report: a warts and all account of the progress made and the work that lies ahead to end violence against children. In the ten years since the Study was published, we have made great strides in learning about the violence that affects children around the world and we have seen great advances in combating some of those forms of violence. Yet for many children, violence is an ever present fact of life. Where progress has been made, it remains tainted by its limitations: the rates at which children are subjected to female genital mutilation are falling rapidly, but because of population increases, the number of women and girls who have experienced this form of violence are actually increasing. The number of countries that have legally prohibited all forms of corporal punishment of children has tripled since the Study was published, yet an estimated one billion children still experience physical violence in the home on a regular basis. Children in detention are among the most vulnerable to violence, and while detention rates in many of the world's juvenile justice systems have fallen sharply over the last decade, we are seeing the detention of children in immigration systems increasing and taking on new forms. Perhaps worse still, many of the most severe forms of violence children experience remain legal, whether in the 14 States that still allow the death penalty for children, the 22 countries that still legally permit certain forms of female genital mutilation, or the 93 that allow girls to marry before the age of 18. The Violence Study set 2009 as a deadline to legally prohibit all of these practices, but we are still far from this goal. The persistence of violence against children is a challenge to us all: why have we not been able to achieve change quickly enough? The contributions from key global experts on violence against children point to some hard truths about our failings, but also to the way ahead. We have failed to effectively challenge the social acceptance of so many forms of violence and struggled to achieve the legal prohibition of all forms of violence that is a necessary basis for eliminating these practices. If we are to realise goal 16.2 of the SDGs to end all forms of violence against children by 2030, we must learn these lessons of our efforts so far. Details: s.l.: The Council, 2016. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 22, 2016 at: http://www.wvi.org/sites/default/files/Int_NGO_Council_VAC_Report2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: http://www.wvi.org/sites/default/files/Int_NGO_Council_VAC_Report2016.pdf Shelf Number: 147788 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Child MaltreatmentChild Protection Female Genital MutilationViolence Against ChildrenViolence Prevention |
Author: Guerrero, Gabriela Title: Understanding Children's Experiences of Violence in Peru: Evidence from Young Lives Summary: This paper describes children's experiences of violence at home in Peru, using a lifecourse approach. Violence against children at home tended to increase with age, as children took on more chores (especially in rural areas), and spent more time away from home (in some cases, in urban areas). The chances of being hit by parents increased when children failed in their responsibilities; spending more time away from home also presented potential dangers for children (e.g., being robbed in the community, joining a gang, etc.), and so violence was used as a means to protect them and to prevent them from being led astray. We discuss how living in poverty affects relationships between parents and children. Meeting the basic economic needs of a family is the priority for parents, who then have limited time, energy and resources to devote to their children. We also found that children exposed to violence in the home are also frequently exposed to corporal punishment at school. Details: Florence, Italy: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Office of Research, (Innocenti) 2016. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Innocenti Working Papers, IWP_2016_17: Accessed February 23, 2017 at: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_17.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Peru URL: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_17.pdf Shelf Number: 144850 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionChildren and ViolenceViolence Against Children |
Author: Pankhurst, Alula Title: Understanding Children’s Experiences of Violence in Ethiopia: Evidence from Young Lives Summary: This research report explores children's accounts of everyday violence in Ethiopia, and the ways in which factors at individual, family, community, institutional and society levels affect children’s experiences of violence. The report primarily draws on analysis of four rounds of longitudinal qualitative data gathered over seven years, complemented with analysis of cross-sectional survey data from Young Lives. Findings show that violence affecting children – mostly physical punishment and emotional abuse – is widespread, accepted, and normalized. Differing economic activities affect family dynamics and the likelihood of children experiencing violence, which is often linked to the challenges of poverty and the expectation that children will contribute to the household economy. Details: Florence, Italy: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Office of Research, (Innocenti) 2016. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Innocenti Working Papers, IWP_2016_25: Accessed February 23, 2017 at: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_25.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Ethiopia URL: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_25.pdf Shelf Number: 141193 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionChildren and ViolenceViolence Against Children |
Author: Huong, Vu Thi Thanh Title: Understanding Children's Experiences of Violence in Viet Nam: Evidence from Young Lives Summary: This paper explores children’s accounts of violence at home in Viet Nam, and the ways in which factors at the individual, family, community and society levels affect their experiences of violence. The paper analyses cross-sectional survey data and qualitative data gathered from Young Lives; it explores what children know about violence, how they experience it, what they think drives violence at home, what they perceive the consequences to be, and finally, the support they find effective in addressing violence. High proportions of children experience violence (mostly physical punishment and emotional abuse). The paper contributes to knowledge about the nature and experience of violence affecting children in resource-poor settings, and concludes with some suggestions for policy, programming and practice. Details: Florence, Italy: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Office of Research, (Innocenti) 2016. 51p. Source: Internet Resource: Innocenti Working Papers, IWP_2016_26: Accessed February 23, 2017 at: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_26.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Vietnam URL: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_26.pdf Shelf Number: 146786 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionChildren and ViolenceViolence Against Children |
Author: Morrow, Virginia Title: Understanding Children’s Experiences of Violence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India: Evidence from Young Lives Summary: This paper explores children's accounts of violence in Andhra Pradesh, India, and the ways in which factors at the individual, family, community, institutional and society levels affect children’s experiences of violence. The paper analyses cross-sectional survey data and case studies from longitudinal qualitative data gathered over a seven-year period, from Young Lives. The paper is divided into four sections – a brief background section, study design and methods, findings from the survey, and findings from case studies. Large proportions of children experience violence (mostly physical punishment and emotional abuse) within their families, at school and, to some extent, within their communities. The findings demonstrate how children's experiences of violence change with age and that gender differences within this dynamic process are very distinct. The paper reveals that a child's disapproval of violence does not necessarily influence behaviour in later life, confirming the need for interventions to prevent and tackle violence as children grow up. Details: Florence, Italy: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Office of Research, (Innocenti) 2016. 53p. Source: Internet Resource: Innocenti Working Papers, IWP_2016_19: Accessed February 23, 2017 at: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_19.pdf Year: 2016 Country: India URL: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/IWP_2016_19.pdf Shelf Number: 141195 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild ProtectionChildren and ViolenceViolence Against Children |
Author: Moestue, Helen Title: Digitally Enhanced Child Protection: How new technology can prevent violence against children in the Global South Summary: The last decade has witnessed growing appreciation of the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to protect children from violence. The issue of violence against children (VAC) is of singular importance. And while the full scope and scale of VAC remains hidden from view there is wide spread consensus that "every year and in every region of the world, millions of children suffer the cumulative impact of physical, mental and emotional violence, and millions more are at risk". Although ICT innovation for child protection is comparatively advanced in North America and Western Europe, there is less known about new tools in lower- and middle-income settings in the Americas, Africa and Asia. This Strategic Paper begins filling this knowledge gap and reviews the emerging character and functions of ICTs to prevent VAC in the global South. Drawing on assorted cases from Benin, Brazil, Kenya, Uganda and other countries, it provides a hint of the diversity of emerging experiences around the world. In the process, the Strategic Paper provides insights into emerging trends, typologies, and threats. Key findings include: - Mobile and digital technology are being harnessed in multiple ways to protect children, including through: (a) the digitization of existing child protection systems (b) helplines (c) citizen reporting and crowd mapping (d) mobile research and survey tools(e) big data analysis, and (f) tech-driven campaigning and information sharing; - These initiatives frequently combine the offer of assistance to children with the collection of real time data. This model in turn generates critical information for advocacy and can inform future child protection interventions; - Such approaches save time and money, and are breaking down the social, cultural and practical barriers to violence reporting. However, digital data collection raises important ethical questions about consent and confidentiality; - Innovation is emerging from a wide range of fields, including child protection, social development, the humanitarian sector, public health and the wider violence prevention field, and is often facilitated by creative public-private partnerships. Different disciplines are using the same tools; - Basic SMS based reporting systems have immense potential. Certain open source digital platforms offer the potential for scaling-up, especially systems such as Frontline SMS, Rapid SMS and Ushahidi, which integrate basic mobile phones for crowd-sourcing violence reporting and community mapping; and - There is a widening array of initiatives that enable children themselves to be informed, empowered and included in their own protection. Digitized survey tools, that can be used for and by children even in emergency settings, include Open Data Kit and Kobo Toolbox. The Strategic Paper considers the emerging landscapes of ICTs for VAC. It first sets the scene exploring the character and dynamics of violence against children, especially in low- and middle-income settings. The opening section also considers the expansion of ICTs and ethical implications in their application among children and youth. The second section introduces a typology of different ICTs including the digitization of child protection systems, child helplines, citizen reporting and crowd mapping, mobile research tools, Big Data analytics and technology-enabled campaigns. Section three explores how different sectors and disciplines are engaging with these new tools - including child protection experts, relief and development professionals and the public health community. The Paper closes with a brief consideration of next steps in the evolution of ICTs to prevent and reduce VAC. Details: Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Igarapa , 2014. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Strategic paper 10: Accessed March 4, 2017 at: https://igarape.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Artigo-estrategico-10-Child-Protection-4.pdf Year: 2014 Country: South America URL: https://igarape.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Artigo-estrategico-10-Child-Protection-4.pdf Shelf Number: 134475 Keywords: Child ProtectionInformation TechnologyMobile PhonesViolence Against Children |
Author: United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children Title: Ending the Torment: Tackling Bullying from the Schoolyard to Cyberspace Summary: This publication seeks to bring together key elements of the rich global expertise on the issue of bullying in order to share information, ideas and examples of best practice with all those who are interested in tackling such a scourge. It offers a complement to the United Nations Secretary-General's Study on Violence against Children and will hopefully provide further impetus to the drive by countries throughout the world to understand and better prevent the bullying of children and young people in all its ugly manifestations. As on all issues that affect children, it is essential that their ideas and views are sought and heard. The perceptions, experience and recommendations of children are of fundamental importance in tackling any issue of concern to them and their ideas are an important part of this publication. Their views and perspectives feature particularly in the chapter on UNICEF's U-Report. The U-Report is an electronic platform that reaches two million children, the majority in Africa, seeking their views and offering them an opportunity to widely share their experiences. But we also hear their voices in articles from other authors. The key themes of this publication focus on the areas that need to be developed and strengthened in order to prevent bullying and to effectively mitigate its harm. Providing information on, and raising awareness of, the insidious and damaging nature of bullying, as well as providing guidance on coping with its negative impacts are an important part of addressing the issue: so too are efforts to enable children to take action themselves to combat the problem. Their empowerment must be at the heart of any holistic approach to bullying. Chapter 1 of this publication therefore looks at these issues and draws on expertise from different perspectives and regions. From Greece, George Moschos looks at respecting children's rights and promoting a participatory culture of peace and respect in schools. Maria Luisa Sotomayor brings us the responses from the U-Report and considers new approaches to participation and the use of ICTs. And finally, Anne Lindboe and Anders Cameron, from Norway, consider the role of independent human rights institutions in preventing and responding to violence and in particular bullying. In Chapter 2, the publication moves into a consideration of legislation and public policies with the first article by Brian O'Neill, from Ireland, examining a national multi-facetted approach to the prevention of bullying and cyberbullying. The second article, by Eric Debarbieux, considers the school climate in Europe, and France in particular, and looks at the ways in which changing perceptions can lead to a change in public policies. Kirrily Pells, Maria Jose, Ogando Portela and Patricia Espinoza draw on evidence from a number of countries to understand the structural drivers of bullying: these include poverty and inequity. Christophe Cornu and Yongfeng Liu look at the importance of an inclusive and equitable education for all learners in an environment free from discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity/ expression and how this can be supported by governments. And finally, Bernard Gerbaka and Fares BouMitri introduce a new topic with a look at the role of the medical community in addressing bullying. Chapter 3 looks at the essential field of school interventions. In this section Dan Olweus, a pioneer in the field and creator of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, and Susan Limber, consider the building blocks for an effective bullying prevention and response model. Then Sanna Herkama and Christina Salmivalli look at the success of the KiVa anti-bullying programme in Finland, which uses a whole-school approach. Julie Swanson and Katharina Anton-Erxleben, from the USA, give an important and strong gender perspective on bullying and school-related gender-based violence. And finally in this section Ersilia Menesini and Annalaura Nocenti look at tailoring different prevention approaches to the national context in Italy. Chapter 4 examines the importance of data, without which we cannot understand or assess the extent of the problem. Dominic Richardson and Chii Fen Hiu lead off this section with a review of existing data and a look at what is needed to develop a solid response on prevention. This is followed by an article in which Sonia Livingstone, Mariya Stoilova and Anthony Kelly examine the evidence for the claim that new media bring new problems, arguing in conclusion that bullying and cyberbullying are inextricably linked in complex and challenging ways. Patrick Burton takes a look at data on bullying and cyberbullying in southern Africa, while Michael Dunne, Thu Ba Pham, Ha Hai Thi Le and Jiandong Sun, consider the impact of bullying and severe educational stress and the challenges faced in East Asian schools. Maha Almuneef presents a review of bullying in the Arab region, suggesting future policy development directions, and finally in this section, Robertas Povilaitis analyses experiences of projects in Lithuania while the International Child Helpline presents interesting case studies and data. The contributors to this publication represent all regions, their expertise ranges across a number of different fields, and their research examines different aspects of bullying and cyberbullying. Further information on the authors is included later in the publication. This publication has sought to identify issues to which we should be giving greater visibility and prominence, new facets of the problem that should be shared, concerns that should addressed, and examples of good practices that can stimulate and boost action by governments, policy makers, teachers and children themselves in the fight against bullying. Details: New York: Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, 2016. 174p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 14, 2017 at: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/2016/End%20bullying/bullyingreport.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/2016/End%20bullying/bullyingreport.pdf Shelf Number: 144904 Keywords: BullyingChild ProtectionCyberbullyingCybercrimeOnline BullyingSchool BullyingViolence Against Children |
Author: American University. Washington College of Law. Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Title: Protecting Children against Torture in Detention: Global Solutions for a Global Problem Summary: It is my pleasure to introduce the publication "Protecting Children Deprived of Liberty From Torture: Reflections on the Special Rapporteur on Torture's 2015 Thematic Report," which expands upon a key thematic priority explored by the Special Rapporteurship on Torture in 2015. This volume asks a wide variety of stakeholders and thought-leaders to reflect on the report on children deprived of liberty (A/HRC/28/68, available in Annex I) issued by Professor Juan Mendez during his Rapporteurship on Torture at the United Nations (UN). This publication provides additional data and analyses on the myriad of critical issues raised in the report. The publication is an effort of the Anti-Torture Initiative (ATI), a project of the Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law (the Center) at American University Washington College of Law to support the mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment (SRT), a position that Professor Juan Mendez held from November 2010 to October 2016. The Center created the ATI in 2012 as part of its mission to develop new tools and strategies for the creative advancement of international human rights norms. During the time of Professor Mendez's mandate, the ATI expanded the strategies used by the SRT in furtherance of its mandate by supporting, monitoring, and assessing implementation of his recommendations, and providing a multi-dynamic model for effective and comprehensive country-specific and thematic follow-up, in areas such as the torture and ill-treatment of children deprived of liberty. In the aftermath of Professor Mendez's mandate, the ATI has continued its role as a foremost player in the global movement against torture, by continuing to work closely with partners from international agencies, regional organizations, governments and policy-makers, and actors from civil society and academia, in an effort to have a positive impact on the landscape of efforts to fight and prevent torture worldwide, in particular when it affects the most vulnerable and marginalized persons worldwide, such as children deprived of liberty. The 2015 report that serves as the basis for this publication came at a timely moment of growing attention to the plight of the more than one million children who are estimated to be deprived of liberty around the world. The report makes a critical contribution by framing abuses and violence commonly perpetrated against children in various guises of deprivation of liberty as torture and other ill-treatment under international law, and by analyzing the unique vulnerability of children to, and concomitant heighted obligation of States to protect children from, such acts. The report analyzes practices within juvenile, criminal justice systems, and administrative, notably immigration, detention, as well as practices in health- and social-care institutions, and the situation of children in armed conflict. It addresses existing gaps in law and policy that facilitate torture and ill-treatment against children deprived of their liberty worldwide. Constrained as it is by an UN-imposed word limit, the report is meant to be a starting-point for discussion, which the articles in this volume pick up. Following its presentation to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2015, the report generated a considerable amount of interest and discussion on a range of issues explored therein. This volume seeks to contribute to and continue this discussion by creating space to elaborate on the report and the essential legal, policy, and advocacy issues raised in a variety of contexts of deprivation of liberty of children around the world. The publication chronicles part of the robust response by practitioners, advocates, and policy-makers to the cross-cutting issues explored by the report. Section I of this volume provides a broad overview of the problem of children deprived of liberty worldwide, and delves into several key questions of law and policy at the intersection of the torture and other ill-treatment and children's rights frameworks, including the potential of the report as a tool for advocacy to promote the recognition and protection of the rights of children in the context of deprivation of liberty; the unique vulnerability of children to torture and other ill-treatment; the challenge of translating standards into practice; the question of access to justice for children deprived of liberty; the role of the Council of Europe in addressing the deprivation of liberty of children; and avenues for meaningful participation of children and adolescents in the recommendations of United Nations human rights bodies in the context of deprivation of liberty. Section II addresses the unique challenges posed by the deprivation of liberty of children in conflict with the law in juvenile and criminal justice systems, featuring a call for the end of child detention as a form of punishment. It also includes a commentary on the UN Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice systems. It also analyzes the placement of children in solitary confinement, early diversion, monitoring mechanisms, and models of psychosocial intervention for children deprived of liberty. Section III delves into the situation of migrant, asylum-seeking, and refugee children, and their deprivation of liberty in these contexts. It further refers to the situation of children, including children with disabilities, in institutions and orphanages, as well as the situation of children in armed conflict, child soldiers, and the detention of children on grounds of "national security." Details: Washington, DC: Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, American University, Washington College of Law, 2017. 442p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 20, 2017 at: http://antitorture.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Protecting_Children_From_Torture_in_Detention.pdf Year: 2017 Country: International URL: http://antitorture.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Protecting_Children_From_Torture_in_Detention.pdf Shelf Number: 145060 Keywords: Child ProtectionHuman RightsJuvenile CorrectionsJuvenile DetentionJuvenile OffendersTortureViolence against Children |
Author: Howe, Glenford Title: Sexual Violence Against Children in the Caribbean Summary: Over the past two decades or more Caribbean countries have made steady but slow progress in addressing the issue of violence against children by for example incorporating the issue into national legislation and by criminalizing child sexual abuse and imposing greater sanctions against perpetrators. They were among the first countries globally to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and have also signed various other child- related conventions. All governments have developed some type of policy, initiative, programme or action to combat child sexual abuse. They all have mechanisms and agencies with responsibility for child protection, including responsibilities relating to the prevention, reporting and management of responses to child sexual abuse. As a consequence of the efforts of international development partners, governments, non-governmental organizations and community based entities, there is now a growing heightened awareness among the public about issues relating to child sexual abuse. In most, if not all countries there is acknowledgement among policy makers of child sexual abuse as a socio-economic and human rights issue, as well as a public health challenge linked to various forms of sexual and reproductive health challenges, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and various mental health concerns. The global prioritizing of violence against children and of child sexual abuse has also contributed significantly to helping shape public and official awareness of child sexual abuse. The 2006 United Nations Global Study on Violence Against Children and the activities surrounding it, energized regional governments to do more to prevent sexual violence against children. This renewed commitment and focus on preventing child sexual abuse, and other forms of violence against children, was reflected in the 2012 CARICOM Declaration on Child Sexual Abuse of the Twenty-Third Meeting of its Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) on Children and Youth which was convened under the theme: "Charting our future: An integrated development agenda for children and youth", in Guyana on 10-11 July 2012. This declaration condemned all forms of sexual abuse of children and agreed that there could be no justification for such practice. At that meeting CARICOM also endorsed the convening of a Regional Task Force to develop a strategic plan to address sexual violence against children. The COHSOD also agreed to review the entire system of investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases to ensure compliance with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child . Although not properly developed and focused there is also beginning to emerge important research on child sexual abuse. One landmark study in this regard was the UNICEF sponsored research focusing on child sexual abuse in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, spearheaded by Adele Jones and Ena Trotman in 2009 . This study found that child sexual abuse was widespread across the region and its findings and the publicity it generated, served to help shatter the silence surrounding sexual violence against children, and stimulated governments, and other stakeholders to begin thinking seriously about the issue. As a direct consequence of the findings of this report and the publicity it generated several countries including, Grenada and Dominica, among others, have developed Child Sexual Abuse National Action Plans to address prevention and manage their responses to sexual violence against children. Yet in spite of these achievements and progress there remains serious challenges and unresolved issues relating to the efforts to prevent and manage responses to child sexual abuse. The research for this review revealed that there were across regional states many challenges and weak areas in relation to prevention and response, as well as to service delivery to sexually abused children and their families. These challenges may be summarized as follows: - A general lack of specialized services (for example psychological and therapeutic care) l A need for more and better accredited staff training - Inadequate or absence of out-of hours full and responsive service coverage - Confusion and fear surrounding disclosure - Inadequate provision to deal with variations in reporting and referral pathways - Slow and inadequate response of services - Variations in waiting times to have initial assessment - Variations in service accessibility and availability due to such factors as geographical location - Insufficient focus on the gender dimensions of child sexual abuse for prevention and treatment purposes - Lack of child friendly Police, Court and Medical procedures for abused children - Insufficient prevention and awareness raising programmes - Very few services targeted at parents, guardians, caregivers and families - Persistence of silence, shame and stigma among sexually abuse children and their families - Lack of specialized provisions for specific groups including children between birth and 5 years, children with disabilities, children with cultural and religious peculiarities, and children with language/translation issues - Insufficient allocation of financial, human and other resources - Need for more school, family and community-based resources and services l Weak participation and involvement of children in decisions affecting them - Inadequate data collection and use of data to inform service provision - No consistent approach to information sharing among agencies - Not enough focus on the provision of service when it is most needed, as opposed to when it becomes available - Weak or non-existent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and processes This progress report points to the fact that while much has been accomplished since the 1970s to the present, the progress since the launch of the UN Global Study on Violence Against Children in 2006, has not been as significant as it could or should have been given the greater focus and attention on child sexual abuse generated by the UN Study on Violence Against Children. The recommendations contained in this progress report are based on the review of academic and policy reports, newspapers, stakeholder interviews, and the results of survey of regional governments. Collectively, the recommendations point to a need for greater prioritization, commitment and urgent action by governments and other stakeholders to highlight the problem of child sexual abuse, and for the adoption or enhancement of measures to prevent and reduce the prevalence of sexual violence against children. In many ways the recommendations reflect and endorse the commitments made by regional governments when they ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other child protection related instruments, as well as the declaration of the Twenty-Third Meeting of the CARICOM Council on Human and Social Development (COHSOD XXIII) which viewed with "grave concern the alarming prevalence of sexual abuse of children in Member States". (See Appendix 1) Likewise the recommendations in this report can also be seen as a reflection of the aspirations, expectations, concerns and directives contained in the various statements and declarations made by regional youth on the issue of violence against children. Details: Bridgetown, Barbados: UNICEF by Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Office, 2013. 96p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 21, 2017 at: https://www.unicef.org/easterncaribbean/ECAO_Sexual_Violence_againstChildren_in_the_Caribbean.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Caribbean URL: https://www.unicef.org/easterncaribbean/ECAO_Sexual_Violence_againstChildren_in_the_Caribbean.pdf Shelf Number: 145067 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Child Protection Child Sexual Abuse Sexual Violence Violence Against Children |
Author: Marcus, Rachel Title: Poverty and violations of children's right to protection in low- and middle-income countries: A review of the evidence Summary: Why do up to 1.5 billion children suffer physical violence every year? Why do up to 2251 million children suffer sexual violence every year? Why are 14.2 million girls every year married off to start adult lives in adolescence or before?2 Why are considerable numbers of young children left alone for long hours without competent adult supervision? Historically, in studies of violence against children in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, explanations emphasised the role of individual psychological factors. The pendulum swung in the 1960s to highlight structural forces contributing to the abuse and neglect of children, in particular poverty and unemployment. In more recent years, understanding of the factors underlying violations of children's right to protection has drawn on an ecological model that emphasises factors at several levels: individual, family, household, community and broader society (Frederick and Goddard, 2007). The international child protection community generally sees three broad sets of factors as underlying many child protection violations: sociocultural norms, weak protective structures and poverty or deprivation. However, within this community there are divergences of opinion concerning the extent to which poverty is a significant underlying or risk factor. Interviews with child protection and poverty specialists and an electronic survey conducted for this research programme revealed a notable split. The majority considered poverty an important and often-neglected factor underpinning many child protection violations, but a significant number of respondents highlighted the fact that abuse, exploitation and neglect of children occurs across all socioeconomic groups, and thus felt economic deprivation played a more minor role. Perspectives varied considerably across different types of violation, with most respondents feeling that economic deprivation was a critical factor in early marriage, inadequate care and sexual exploitation, but relatively fewer convinced it was an important factor underpinning corporal punishment or sexual abuse. The electronic survey, like the majority of the literature examined for this review, focuses on children's vulnerability to protection violations, not whether poverty increases the risk of perpetrating abuse. Broadly, these perspectives concur with insights from the literature examined for this study. Despite increased recognition of the importance of effective joined-up child protection systems (e.g. World Vision, 2011; Wulcyzn et al., 2010), state agencies charged with child protection in most low- and middle-income countries are severely underfunded (Everychild, 2010b; Holmes and Jones, 2009). At the same time, there is a global move towards strengthening social protection - much of which has a partial focus on children in poverty, and thus is directing resources towards realising children's survival and development rights. In this context, there is growing interest in exploring the potential and limitations of social protection, human development and other anti-poverty programmes to reduce violations of children's protection rights - and of action to protect children's rights to promote better anti-poverty and human development outcomes. As a contribution to emerging practice and debate in this area, the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Oak Foundation are undertaking a two-year programme of work to explore the potential for greater linkages between child protection and anti-poverty work in low- and middle-income countries. This report - the first output of the programme - has two main objectives: 1. To examine how far and in what ways poverty contributes to violations of children's rights to protection in four key areas - child marriage, sexual and physical violence against children and inadequate care of children - and thus to clarify the significance of poverty as an underlying or risk factor for these different violations of children's protection rights; and 2. To assess the strength of evidence concerning the relationship between poverty and child marriage, sexual and physical violence against children and inadequate care of children, and thus to identify knowledge gaps. It reviews evidence from low- and middle-income countries on the linkages between poverty and child marriage, sexual and physical violence against children and inadequate care of children. It also draws selectively on evidence from OECD countries in areas where the low- and middle-income country literature is sparse, or to highlight differences related to income and institutional capacity. It is intended as a detailed resource on the issues explored. Key findings are summarised in a short background note (Marcus, 2013). Other components of this programme include an adapted systematic review of the extent to which child protection policies and programmes involve attention to anti-poverty issues, and the contribution of antipoverty components to effective action on specific child protection issues (Marcus and Page, 2013); an electronic survey of practitioners and key informant interviews; and fieldwork exploring the relationship between poverty and violation of children's protection rights in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Vietnam. The programme is also exploring the potential for and different ways of promoting greater synergies between analysts and practitioners with anti-poverty and child protection foci. Details: London: Overseas Development Institute, 2014. 97p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 1, 2017 at: https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/9309.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/9309.pdf Shelf Number: 145223 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild MarriageChild ProtectionChild Sexual AbuseChild WelfarePoverty and CrimeSocioeconomic Conditions and CrimeViolence Against Children |
Author: University of Edinburgh Title: A Secondary Analysis of Data from Childline Zimbabwe. Summary: KEY FINDINGS - In 2014, Childline received a total of 15,446 reports; half were received by the helpline and the other half came in through one of its 31 drop-in centres located across the country. - Fifty-four per cent of all reports received in 2014 were about abuse, at a rate of 123.9 reports per 100,000 children; the remaining 46 per cent were reports of "children in need", at a rate of 106.9 per 100,000 children. - Slightly more than one in three (39 per cent) reports of abuse received in 2014 were about sexual abuse, followed by neglect (25 per cent), physical abuse (22 per cent), emotional abuse (12 per cent) and bullying (2 per cent). - Among all reports of abuse in 2014, around two in three (70 per cent) were reports about girls compared to one in three about boys (30 per cent). - Among girls reported to have experienced some form of abuse in 2014, the majority were reported as having experienced sexual abuse while the largest proportion of reports received about boys were for reasons of neglect. - Of all reports of abuse received by the helpline for both sexes in 2014, around one in three were reports about children between the ages of 13 and 15 years. - Fifty-five per cent of abuse reports about girls received by the helpline in 2014 were about those aged 13-17 years compared to 36 per cent of abuse reports made about boys for this age group. - Reports of sexual abuse received by the helpline in 2014 were more common among older age groups than younger ones, while neglect and physical abuse became less commonly reported. - Across all age groups of boys, the most commonly reported forms of abuse received by the helpline in 2014 were physical abuse and neglect; reports related to sexual abuse against girls increased with age. - At most drop-in centres in 2014, reports of abuse about girls were more likely than those about boys. - There was a 21 per cent increase in the number of reports received by Childline between 2011 and 2014. - Between 2011 and 2014, there was a 163 per cent increase in reports received by the helpline while there was a 20 per cent decrease in reports received by drop-in centres over this same time period. - Reports about sexual abuse received by Childline (through both the helpline and drop-in centres) showed a 100 per cent increase during the four-year period from 2011 to 2014. - Reports of abuse received about girls remained consistently higher than those received about boys between 2011 and 2014. - Childline has seen a 70 and 80 per cent increase in the number of reports of physical abuse against boys and girls, respectively, between 2011 and 2014; there has also been a 109 per cent increase in the number of reports of sexual abuse against girls during this time period. Details: Harare, UNICEF, 2016. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 6, 2017 at: https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/161020_Unicef_UZ_01_Final_Secondary_analysis.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Zimbabwe URL: https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/161020_Unicef_UZ_01_Final_Secondary_analysis.pdf Shelf Number: 148747 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild MaltreatmentChild Sexual AbuseViolence Against Children |
Author: Currie, Janet Title: Violence while in Utero: The Impact of Assaults During Pregnancy on Birth Outcomes Summary: ausal evidence of the effects of violent crime on its victims is sparse. Yet such evidence is needed to determine the social cost of crime and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of policy interventions in the justice system. This study presents new evidence on the effects of violent crime on pregnancy and infant health outcomes, using unique linked administrative data from New York City. We merge birth records with maternal residential addresses to the locations of reported crimes, and focus on mothers who lived in a home where an assault was reported during their pregnancies. We compare these mothers to women who lived in a home with an assault that took place shortly after the birth. We find that assaults in the 3rd trimester significantly increase rates of very low birth weight (less than 1,500 grams) and very pre-term (less than 34 weeks gestation) births, possibly through a higher likelihood of induced labor. We show that our results are robust to multiple choices of control groups and to using maternal fixed effects models. We calculate that these impacts translate into a social cost per assault during pregnancy of $41,771, and a total annual cost of over $4.25 billion when scaled by the national victimization rate. As infant health is a strong predictor of life-long well-being, and women of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse than their more advantaged counterparts, our results suggest that in utero subjection to violent crime is an important new channel for intergenerational transmission of inequality. Details: Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, 2018. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: NBER Working Paper Series no. 24802: Accessed July 16, 2018 at: http://www.nber.org/papers/w24802 Year: 2018 Country: United States URL: http://www.nber.org/papers/w24802 Shelf Number: 150881 Keywords: Assaults Pregnancy Violence Against ChildrenViolent Crime |
Author: Maternowska, M. Catherine Title: Research that Drives Change: Conceptualizing and Conducting Nationally Led Violence Prevention Research. Synthesis Report of the "Multi-Country Study on the Drivers of Violence Affecting Children" in Italy, Peru, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe Summary: Globally, studies have demonstrated that children in every society are affected by physical, sexual and emotional violence. The drive to both quantify and qualify violence through data and research has been powerful: discourse among policy makers is shifting from "this does not happen here" to "what is driving this?" and "how can we address it?" To help answer these questions, the MultiCountry Study on the Drivers of Violence Affecting Children - conducted in Italy, Viet Nam, Peru and Zimbabwe - sought to disentangle the complex and often interrelated underlying causes of violence affecting children (VAC) in these four countries. Led by the UNICEF Office of Research - Innocenti with its academic partner, the University of Edinburgh, the Study was conducted by national research teams comprised of government, practitioners and academic researchers in each of the four countries. Drawing on human-centred principles, the Study used an iterative approach which put national ownership and co-creation at its core. Government partners were actively engaged as co-researchers and all data analysis was conducted in-country by government statisticians. Facilitating and prioritizing national meaning-making through dialogue and joint analysis and synthesis of findings was also a key part of the Study design. Each national team used a common process involving three separate components, all of which build on existing data and research: a systematic literature review of academic and 'grey' literature (such as research reports) including both quality quantitative and qualitative research, secondary analyses of nationally representative data sets and an initial mapping of the interventions landscape. Analysed together, these sources of information helped build initial hypotheses around what drives violence in each country. Two key frameworks were applied to the analysis in this Study: 1) a version of the socio-ecological model, which helps to understand the dynamic relationships between factors at the micro-, meso-and macro-levels, and 2) an age and gender framework, which recognizes that a child's vulnerability and ability to protect herself from violence changes over time with her evolving capacities. Through these lenses, common themes emerged across contexts. Guided by findings from the four countries highlighting the dynamic and constantly changing and/or overlapping domains that shape violence in children's lives, this Study moved beyond understanding the risk and protective factors for violence affecting children, which are often measured at the individual, interpersonal and community level. In doing so, it demonstrated how patterns of interpersonal violence are intimately connected to larger structural and institutional factors-or the drivers of violence. The structural drivers of violence identified across the four country sites, representing high (Italy), upper middle (Peru), lower middle (Viet Nam) and low income (Zimbabwe) settings, include: rapid socio-economic transformations accompanied by economic growth but also instability; poverty; migration; and gender inequality. The institutional drivers of violence, such as legal structures, ineffective child protection systems, weak school governance and harmful social and cultural norms, often serve to reinforce children's vulnerabilities. Drivers are rarely isolated factors and tend to work in potent combination with other factors within a single level as well as between levels of the social ecology that shapes children's lives. While some drivers can lead to positive change for children, in this study, these factors or combinations of factors are most often invisible forms of harm in and of themselves While VAC is present in every country, the analyses also show how violence conspires unevenly to create and maintain inequalities between and within countries. The institutions and communities upon which children and their families depend are changing social entities with many interdependent parts. The type of violence in any one or multiple settings may vary depending on a variety of risk or protective factors and/or by age and gender. One of the most important findings is that violence is a fluid and shifting phenomenon in children's lives as they move between the places where they live, play, sleep and learn. Identifying and addressing unequal power dynamics - wherever they may occur in the home, school or community - is of central importance to effective violence prevention. The research also shows how behaviours around violence are passed through generations, suggesting that the social tolerance of these behaviours is learned in childhood. Data across countries also shows how violence is intimately connected to how relationships are structured and defined by power dynamics within and among families, peers and communities. These findings, along with learning from the study process, led to the development of a new child-centred and integrated framework, which proposes a process by which interdisciplinary coalitions of researchers, practitioners and policymakers can understand violence affecting children and what can be done to prevent it. Using data to drive change, our proposed Child-Centred and Integrated Framework for Violence Prevention serves to situate national findings according to a child's social ecology, making clear how institutional and structural drivers and risk/protective factors together shape the many risks and opportunities of childhood around the world. KEY POINTS: - Unpacking the drivers of violence at the structural and institutional levels, and analysing how these interact with risk and protective factors at the community, interpersonal and individual levels is critical to understanding how violence affects children. It is this interaction between drivers and risk/protective factors that delineates how, where, when and why violence occurs in children's lives. - Focusing solely on the types of violence and the places where it occurs - as is commonly done in large-scale surveys and some qualitative studies - will only provide part of the picture of a child's risk of violence. - The role of age and gender as childhood unfolds over time is also essential to understanding violence. - Qualitative inquiry and analysis should be further promoted within the field of violence prevention - on its own or as part of a mixed-methods approach - to ensure meaningful data interpretation of the social world, including the webs of interactions and the concepts and behaviours of people within it. - Research that engages and empowers stakeholders can contribute to a common strategy for building and sustaining political will to end violence affecting children. - The way the study was conducted - led by national teams and using existing literature and data - provided a relatively low-cost and human-centred alternative model to costly surveys that assess the scope of violence without examining the drivers that determine it. - Moving forward, violence prevention research should continuously and critically examine the ways in which we count and construct the complex social phenomenon of violence affecting children: placing recognition of process and power at the heart of our research endeavours. Details: Florence, Italy: UNICEF, Innocenti Office of Research, 2018. 91p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 28, 2018 at: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/Drivers-of-Violence_Study.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/Drivers-of-Violence_Study.pdf Shelf Number: 153883 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Child Maltreatment Child Sexual Violence Children and Violence Crime PreventionViolenceViolence Against ChildrenViolence PreventionViolent Crime |
Author: Boateng, Pearl Title: Interventions on Child Labour in South Asia Summary: Question What are the key interventions on child labour and what organisations are carrying them out? Have rigorous research and/or impact evaluations been carried out? Summary The three principal international conventions on child labour (Minimum Age to Employment Convention, 1973 (No. 138), Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, together set the legal parameters for child labour and provide the legal foundations for national and international action against it. Whilst advocacy efforts are the predominant type of intervention, it is difficult to attribute the successes in ratifying conventions and implementing legislative policies and powers to any one organisation or campaign. Notwithstanding, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) continues to lead in this area due to their global presence, funding and partnerships internationally, regionally and nationally. A number of other actors including a number of regional level strategic policy and technical alliances also engage in programmatic support and technical assistance addressing child labour. Impact evaluations on child labour programmes tend to suffer from two main limitations: 1. Seldom is child labour the main outcome of interest of impact evaluations and; 2. Social protection programmes and their constituent interventions are not necessarily selected according to a consistent knowledge generating strategy. Despite these challenges, integrated approaches such as conditional cash transfers combined with supply side interventions such as the provision of education and healthcare services have demonstrated the most success according to the studies examined for this report. Effective and well-targeted responses to child labour demand a strong body of knowledge on the issue, including an understanding of the number of child labourers, which employment sectors and geographical areas they work in, the demographic characteristics of the children involved, and the type of work that they carry out. Despite recent national household surveys in most South Asian countries (with Afghanistan as an important exception), data quality and comparability are uneven and significant information gaps remain, affecting the true understanding of the dynamics of child labour and the ability of policy-makers to address it. There is a general need therefore, for mainstream systems for the collection, analysis and dissemination of child labour statistics, as well as more targeted research aimed at filling specific knowledge gaps. Details: Brighton, U.K.: Institute of Development Studies, 2017. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 21, 2019 at: https://gsdrc.org/publications/interventions-on-child-labour-in-south-asia/ Year: 2017 Country: Asia URL: https://gsdrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/105-Interventions-on-Child-Labour-in-South-Asia.pdf Shelf Number: 155133 Keywords: Child Labor Child Laborers Child Prostitution Child Trafficking Program Evaluations Social Protection Programs South Asia Violence Against Children |
Author: United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF Title: The Economic Burden of Violence Against Children in Nigeria Summary: The 2014 National Survey on Violence Against Children in Nigeria (NVACS) indicates that violence in childhood makes men and women significantly more likely to engage in risky behaviours (i.e alcoholism, smoking, drugs abuse), experience negative health outcomes (like mental illnesses, Sexually Transmitted Infection's including HIV) or/and drop out from school. International research has also confirmed that violence of any kind experienced in childhood has a life-long negative impact on the individual's physical, psychological and cognitive development and consequently, affects entire communities and nations by diminishing their human capital. The fact that the human capital is considered the most critical capital in economic development, The Federal Government under the leadership of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and UNICEF engaged a renowned scholar in this field, Professor Xiang Ming Fang, Professor of Health Economics at Georgia State University and previously Senior Health Economist with the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to interrogate the economic burden of Violence Against Children in Nigeria, by estimating the size of the economic burden of VAC and to analyse the index causes using the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY). The estimate calculates both the years of fully productive life lost to mortality and morbidity caused by VAC and the subsequent economic value of this loss of productivity. These estimations paint a clear picture of the significant impact that VAC has on Nigerian children, and the economic burden on the country as a whole. In summary, this report provides the evidence, especially the economic justification that is needed to prioritize child protection services, especially those that will lead to elimination of violence against children, recognizing the need to arrest the build-up of risks and vulnerabilities throughout the life cycle as associated with the adverse health, education and productivity effects of VAC. I therefore join other stakeholders that make a case that sufficient attention should be place on arresting the negative and avoidable build up that has serious economic cost, human capital development and lifelong impacts associated with VAC. With the current ranking of the country on the Global Human Capital Development Index there is no better opportunity than now to create a fiscal space for child protection especially to specific preventive Child Protection programmes and services. I recommend this report as it provides us with veritable answers to questions that must be asked before budgetary apportionment and expenditures is made. It is also well aligned to the strategic objectives set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plans, under "the investing in our people" pillar. We as a people must not only improve the lives of the present generation but also our future generations. Details: Abuja, Nigeria: Author, 2019. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 4, 2019 at: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/media/2216/file Year: 2019 Country: Nigeria URL: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/media/2216/file Shelf Number: 155621 Keywords: Child Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionChild Sexual AbuseEconomic AnalysisEconomics of CrimeEconomics of ViolenceViolence Against Children |
Author: Human Rights Watch Title: "I Don't Want my Child to be Beaten": Corporal Punishment in Lebanon's Schools Summary: Lebanon's Education Ministry has banned corporal punishment in schools since the 1970s, and the penal code allows no defense for the crime of assault by school staff against students. Yet because of a lack of accountability, the ban on violent discipline is often disregarded. Based on the cases of 51 children, and interviews with NGO staff, teachers, and government officials, "I Dont Want My Child to Be Beaten": Corporal Punishment in Lebanon's Schools finds that students at both public and private schools suffer humiliating insults, hair-pulling, and beatings with rulers and other objects. Parents said that their complaints about violent abuse were rebuffed or that they received little or no information as to how they were handled. Syrian refugee children may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and afraid to complain, as the majority lack legal residency in Lebanon. The report urges the Education Ministry, which launched a comprehensive child protection policy in 2018, to take concrete steps to enforce the ban on corporal punishment and ensure all teachers are trained in positive discipline. Details: New York: Human Rights Watch, 2019. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 4, 2019 at: https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/05/13/i-dont-want-my-child-be-beaten/corporal-punishment-lebanons-schools Year: 2019 Country: Lebanon URL: https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/report_pdf/lebanon0519_web2.pdf Shelf Number: 156161 Keywords: Child MaltreatmentChildren and ViolenceCorporal PunishmentSchool DisciplineViolence Against ChildrenViolence in Schools |
Author: Grajeda, Luis David Title: Final Evaluation of Program to Combat Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents in Guatemala 2005-2017 Summary: Violence in Guatemala: Violence has been present in Guatemala throughout its history as a structural variable of state and societal behavior. Multi-causal systemic factors can be attributed to violence, among which equality, social exclusion and weakness of institutions in applying the law and punishing lawbreakers stand out. Caused by unresolved social factors, the armed internal conflict (1960-1996) left sequelae of violence, pain and suffering in the population, principally among indigenous communities. The report of the United Nations Commission for Historical Clarification (CEH) reported more than 200,000 deaths, 200,000 orphaned children, 40,000 widows and more than 1 million displaced persons. Some 83% of the identified victims were Mayan. Crime and violence constitute threats to life and the physical and patrimonial integrity of the people. Nevertheless, they must be understood as distinct analytical categories given that not every crime is violent, and not every violent act is classified as a crime according to law. What's more, violence as a category of analysis allows us to clearly underscore a collection of motivations that are normally excluded when one thinks of the category of crime. While crime is commonly associated with economic motives, violence is recognized as a conduct that can be motivated by political and institutional interests as well as diverse forms of social discrimination and exclusion. Although no one escapes the negative impacts, violence in Guatemala mainly affects three population groups considered the most vulnerable: children, adolescents and women. This statistical trend coincides with the findings of the global study carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2002, which also indicated that the effects of violence are varied, but particularly critical in each of these population groups. In the case of children and adolescents, their vulnerability is explained by different causes, among which poverty, social inequality, low levels of schooling and limited access to basic social services can be highlighted. The 2014 National Survey of Living Conditions (ENCOVI) reported 68.2% of the population under 18 years of age living in poverty. Sexual Violence in Guatemala: Within the context of violence in general, sexual violence has a significant presence in the various aspects of social fabric: family, institutions, work, educational centers and the streets. However, until recently it was hidden due to the macho culture and largely due to the absence of a political-regulatory framework to deal with the problem. The approval of several laws, particularly Decree Number 9-2009, Law against Sexual Violence, Exploitation and Human Trafficking, and the creation of the Secretariat against Violence and Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking (SVET), were decisive in making the problem more visible and increasing complaints. Children and adolescents are the most vulnerable to sexual violence, as revealed by the baseline study conducted by International Justice Mission (IJM) in 2013. Close examination reveals the fact that for a high percentage of cases the victim's age, and therefore the age group to which it belongs, is not registered. This problem is especially sensitive in the provinces of the country due to two fundamental issues: 1) deficiencies in taking the victim's declaration and; 2) lack of confirmation by the victim of the complaint. It should be mentioned that prioritizing the wellbeing of the victim implies loosening administrative requirements at the time of filing the complaint, in the hope that in the future the information will be confirmed. Sexual violence, as a component of generalized violence, is deeply woven into the various sectors of Guatemala's social fabric, both privately and publicly. Although many cases of sexual violence go unreported. A study by the IJM Guatemala Program reported 47,678 complaints cases of sexual violence nationally within the period 2013-2017, representing a 56% increase when compared to the period 2008-2012. The IJM study also identified the geographical location of these crimes in four of the country's provinces within the two periods mentioned previously: Guatemala, Alta Verapaz, Quetzaltenango and Escuintla. Details: Washington, DC: International Justice Mission, 2018. 81p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2019 at: https://www.ijm.org/documents/studies/IJM-Guatemala-Impact-Evaluation-Report.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Guatemala URL: https://www.ijm.org/documents/studies/IJM-Guatemala-Impact-Evaluation-Report.pdf Shelf Number: 156591 Keywords: Armed Conflict Guatemala Human Trafficking Sexual Assault Sexual Exploitation Sexual Violence Violence Against Children |
Author: International Justice Mission Title: A Performance Study of the Bolivian Public Justice System Summary: Sexual violence against children and adolescents is a complex problem that does not distinguish between social class, cultural, education level or economic status (UNICEF, 2016). Given that 38% of the total Bolivian population is comprised of children and adolescents under the age of 18 years of age (UNICEF, 2017), protection against this type of violence should be considered a key indicator for positive future development for Bolivia. The Bolivian Public Justice System establishes combatting child sexual violence as an issue of national priority in accordance with its legal framework. However, authorities have identified various administrative and procedural challenges for cases that have been reported to the public justice system that cause bottlenecks, dead times, and ultimately delay of justice for these most vulnerable victims. In order to clearly understand the problem and provide feasible recommendations to the public justice system, International Justice Mission (IJM) in collaboration with the Magistrate's Council (CM) and the La Paz Departmental Tribunal of Justice (TDJ), conducted A Performance Study of the Bolivian Public Justice System. The study reveals the reality of the La Paz public justice system, via an in-depth analysis of data collected from 244 case files and interviews with judicial authorities. Key research questions sought to identify procedural performance of the public justice system in each stage of the criminal process, the proportion of cases entering the system that reach a verdict and the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the system in administering justice, specifically for cases of child sexual violence. In summary, the study has revealed the following key findings about child sexual violence cases initiating their criminal process in the department of La Paz during the past 10 years (2007-2016):1. Access to Information: 48% of case files are missing within their respective judicial office. 2. Specialized Attention: In 24% of cases, the Gesell Chambers were utilized to document the victim's testimony. 3. Work Load: There is an 7.8% increase in the total number of cases initiating a criminal process in the judicial system over the past ten years. 4. Dead Times: 29% of cases remain in the preliminary stage of the criminal process, with only an initiation of investigations. 5. Bottlenecks: 47% of cases are rejected in the preliminary stage. 6. Bottlenecks: 14% of cases reach the preparatory stage of the criminal process via the common procedure. 7. Bottlenecks: 4% of cases arrive to oral trial via the common procedure. 8. Access to Justice: 2.5% of cases reach a verdict via the common procedure. 9. Alternative Resolutions: In 4.5% of cases, the prosecution presents a plea bargain as an alternative resolution. These findings shed light on an alarmingly high rate of child sexual violence cases never moving forward to trial nor a final verdict, and instead accumulating in the early stages of the criminal process. This reality is causing a prolonged path to justice for families, authorities who are burdened with an ever-increasing workload, and a public justice system at high-risk for impunity. The lack of progress in so many cases is not solely attributed to the judiciary; the problem and potential solutions are multifaceted and include all actors in the public justice system including police, prosecutors and child welfare agencies. In response to these findings, this report presents specific recommendations for the Bolivian public justice system. These recommendations address the following key topics: (a) professional development of personnel in the public justice system; (b) case management and administration; (c) consistent coordination between departments and institutions; (d) monitoring and evaluation of court performance; and (e) resources. With each recommendation, this report offers examples or "case studies" that were informed by actual activities carried out within seven judicial offices during a pilot project in 2017. Details: Washington, DC: International Justice Mission, 2018. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2019 at: https://www.ijm.org/documents/studies/IJM-A-Performance-Study-of-the-Bolivian-Public-Justice-System.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Bolivia URL: https://www.ijm.org/studies/a-performance-study-of-the-bolivian-public-justice-system Shelf Number: 156592 Keywords: Bolivia Child Sexual Violence Justice Sexual Violence Violence Against Children |