Interventions for reducing violence against children in low‐ and middle‐income countries: An evidence and gap map

Abstract

Background: More than half of the children in the world experience some form of interpersonal violence every year. As compared with high-income countries, policy responses in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited due to resource constraints and paucity of evidence for effective interventions to reduce violence against children in their own contexts, amongst other factors. Objectives: The aim of this evidence and gap map (EGM) is to provide an overview of the existing evidence available and to identify gaps in the evidence base on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce violence against children in LMICs. This report covers evidence published in English; a follow-up study is under preparation focusing on evidence in five additional languages-Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese and Spanish. Methods: The intervention-outcome framework for this EGM is based on INSPIRE-Seven Strategies for Ending Violence against Children, published by WHO and other partners in 2016. The seven strategies include implementation and enforcement of laws; norms and values, safe environment; parent-child and caregiver support; income and economic strengthening; response and support services; education and life skills. The search included both academic and grey literature available online. We included impact evaluations and systematic reviews that assessed the effectiveness of interventions to reduce interpersonal violence against children (0-18 years) in LMICs (World Bank, 2018b). Interventions targeting subpopulation of parents, teachers and caregivers of 0-18 years' age group were also included. A critical appraisal of all included studies was carried out using standardised tools.

Guidance for producing a Campbell evidence and gap map

“…• However, the research team should assess the suitability of the typology, and revise it as necessary. For example, the EGM of interventions to reduce violence against children (Pundir et al, 2020) drew upon the widely adopted INSPIRE framework, 4 but modified it to create suitable coding categories. F I G U R E 2 Types of evidence synthesis.Source: Saran and White (2018) • Where there is no such international typology, the research team should consult the strategy documents of the main international actors, usually multilateral agencies and global programmes, but also the strategy documents of the agency or agencies funding the map, if any.…”

“…For example, the disability EGM (Saran et al, 2020) adopted WHO's Community‐Based Rehabilitation Matrix for both interventions and outcomes. However, the research team should assess the suitability of the typology, and revise it as necessary. For example, the EGM of interventions to reduce violence against children (Pundir et al, 2020) drew upon the widely adopted INSPIRE framework, but modified it to create suitable coding categories. Where there is no such international typology, the research team should consult the strategy documents of the main international actors, usually multilateral agencies and global programmes, but also the strategy documents of the agency or agencies funding the map, if any. If strategy documents are not available, then it may be necessary to consult project documents of intervention within the scope of the map. A sample should be taken of major funders in the area, including those funding the map. Alternatively, a framework can be adopted and adapted from other research studies (maps or reviews).…”

Violence against children during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The pandemic response has underscored the importance of a public health approach to addressing violence with a focus on prevention at the structural, community, household and individual level. 8 , 9 Our third recommendation therefore relates to the need for a multisectoral approach to violence prevention and response. Actions would require financial and political commitments from global stakeholders and governments to strengthen national and subnational child protection systems alongside improved global governance, financing and advocacy.…”

“…The seven strategies include improving laws, social norms, children’s environments, caregiver support, social protection and safety nets, response services and education. 4 , 8 We conclude with lessons for policy and practice to prevent and respond to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on violence against children. Drawing on existing initiatives and recent innovations, we centre our recommendations in the principles of child rights and health equity, and on the importance of collaboration among organizations from different sectors.…”

The Science of Scale for Violence Prevention: A New Agenda for Family Strengthening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…There are a number of evidence-informed and promising interventions for preventing and reducing violence against children, such as those detailed in the World Health Organization-led INSPIRE framework ( 2 – 8 ). To achieve the SDGs, these interventions need to be scaled up and evaluated at the population level ( 9 ).…”