Violence against children may take a variety of forms and is influenced by a wide range of factors. A number of interventions adopting different approaches and strategies have been developed over time and across the world in order to eradicate violence from the lives of children.
Recognizing the variety of issues encompassed under the broader theme of violence against children and the variety of strategies that can be utilized for violence prevention and child protection, for its first call for proposals 2011 the Children and Violence Evaluation Challenge Fund has selected the following thematic focus area:
The following key elements have been prioritized for the first call for proposals:
- Direct or indirect prevention component;
- Family settings;
- Focus on children – especially the youngest children (0-8 years);
- Different forms of violence, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
Although recognized as the natural environment for the growth and well-being of children and as the fundamental unit responsible for their safety and protection, the family is one of the settings where violence against children might occur – frequently the most hidden and challenging to address given its ‘private’ nature.
Domestic violence may take different forms, including physical, sexual and psychological/emotional violence. Children of all ages are exposed to the risk of violence within their homes, both as direct targets and as witnesses. It has been widely demonstrated that this can severely affect a child’s well-being, personal development and social interaction in childhood and adulthood. Being physically weaker and unable to report abuses, the youngest children are even more vulnerable and exposed to violence within family settings.
The focus of the Fund is on the prevention component of interventions addressing the issue of violence against children within families. This includes a wide range of preventive strategies that are intended to either directly or indirectly reduce the risks of violence within families, such as parenting education, home visiting, positive engaging men and boys to enhance their protective roles within families and beyond.
