Title: Parents' Involvement In Responding To Violence Against Children (Vac) In Bamunanika Sub-County, Luweero District In Uganda.
Authors: Ssenyondo Primo
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 218-232
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
The study assessed the common forms of Violence against Children, Parents' roles in responding to Violence against Children, the challenges parents face in responding to VaC and the possible strategies to prevent Violence against Children in Bamunanika Sub-County, Luwero district. The study used cross-sectional, Case study, and explanatory research designs. A total of 200 respondents participated in the study where majority 38% were aged (31-40) years, 63% were male, and 88% married. The findings showed that physical violence was the most common form of violence reported by 34.0% of the respondents, followed by sexual violence reported by 31.0%, of the respondents, neglect by 25.0% of the respondents, and emotional or psychological violence by 10.0% of the respondents. Findings showed strong agreement across all proposed parental roles, with educating children ranked highest (Mean = 4.22, SD = 1.013), followed by modelling healthy behaviours (Mean = 4.21, SD = 1.072) and protecting children (Mean = 4.20, SD = 1.080). Although providing guidance and counselling ranked last, it still recorded a high level of agreement (Mean = 4.03, SD = 1.105). The study truly found that parents in Bamunanika Sub-County face several challenges in responding to violence against children. Quantitative findings showed that lack of proper coordination was the greatest challenge (Mean = 4.08, SD = 1.149), followed by emotional distress (Mean = 4.06, SD = 1.204) and lack of awareness (Mean = 4.05, SD = 1.136). Other notable challenges included cultural and societal norms, fear and stigma, complex legal processes, and family dynamics, all of which recorded mean scores above 3.90, indicating general agreement among respondents. In regard to strategies to address VaC in Bamunanika Sub-County, Quantitative findings showed that involving children in decision-making was the most preferred strategy (Mean = 4.46, SD = 0.879), followed by creating safe spaces for children (Mean = 4.41, SD = 0.869) and providing parents with parenting skills (Mean = 4.39, SD = 0.866). The study recommends establishment of community-based support systems, specialized child protection units staffed with trained personnel to handle cases of violence against children, strengthen community awareness through education on child rights, parenting skills, and conflict resolution, strengthen and enforce laws protecting children from violence while ensuring perpetrators are prosecuted.