275 million children worldwide suffer domestic violence

By Ebenezer Hanson

The reception to the Domestic Violence Bill passed by Parliament has been that of a mixed one- some consider it as timely while others say it could be either abused or misused.

But one startling revelation that might be lost on many of the commentators and critics of the Bill is the fact that an incredible, whopping 275 million children across the globe suffer domestic violence.

This disturbing and worrying piece of news is contained in The State of the World’s Children 2007 report released by UNICEF in Accra recently. The report captures this mind-boggling information as, “ Every year, as many as 275 million children worldwide become caught in the crossfire of domestic violence and suffer the full consequences of a turbulent home.”

Violence against children involves physical and psychological abuses and injury, neglect or negligent treatment, exploitation and sexual abuse. The perpetrators may include parents, and other close family members, the Report disclosed.

The cumulatively adverse effects of domestic violence on children, the Report notes, transcends the immediate to long-term physical and psychological damage that impairs their ability to learn and socialize, and makes it difficult for them to perform well in school and develop close and positive friendships.

“ Children who are exposed to violence often suffer symptoms of post- traumatic stress disorder, such as bed-wetting or nightmares, and are at greater risk than their peers of (sic) suffering from allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal problems, depression and anxiety.

“ Primary school-age children who are exposed to domestic violence may have more trouble with schoolwork and show poor concentration and focus. They are also more likely to attempt suicide and abuse drugs and alcohol,” says the report.
Beyond that, children who grow up in a violent home, the Report further reveals, are more likely to suffer abuse compared to children who have a peaceful home life.

The behavioural and psychological consequences of growing up in a violent home can be just as devastating for children who are not directly abused themselves, the Report said.

The consequences of domestic violence, according to the Report, could span generations; the effects of violent behaviour tend to stay with children long after they leave childhood home.

“ Boys who are exposed to their parents’ domestic violence are twice as likely to become abusive men as are the sons of non-violent parents. Furthermore, girls who witness their mothers being abused are more likely to accept violence in a marriage than girls who come from non-violent.”

The passage of the Domestic Violence Bill is in consonance with the
1992 Constitution which provides in Article 28(1) that Parliament shall enact such laws as are necessary to ensure that “ children and young persons receive special protection against exposure to physical and moral hazards; and the protection and advancement of the family as unit of society are safeguarded in promotion of the interest of children”

Similarly, Article 28 (3) demands that a child shall not be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and 28 (4) provides that no child shall be deprived by any other person of medical treatment, education, or any other social economic benefit by the reason only of religious or other beliefs.

The memorandum that accompanied the Domestic Violence Bill described domestic violence as a serious social evil which have occasionally resulted in spousal deaths and that the need for special protection for the victims of domestic violence, particularly women and children has become urgent.

Violence within the domestic situation, according to the memorandum, takes many forms. “ The regime of customary law appears to permit the right of chastisement for husbands in some ethnic groups. It has led to a prevalence of wife beating in some communities. In the home setting, house helps, the aged, sick and physically challenged members in a family may be abused. A recent national study on violence revealed that one in three women interviewed had been beaten, slapped physically punished by current or most recent partner.”

The Report of the Independent Expert for the United Nations Study on Violence against Children presents guiding principles for the unmasking the issue of violence against children. The principles recommend, among others, that no violence against children is justifiable and that children should never receive less protection than adults.

“ All violence against children is preventable. States must invest in evidence-based policies and programmes to address factors that give rise to violence against.”

Besides, the principles enjoin States to take up the primary responsibility of upholding the children’s rights to protection and access to services, and to support families’ capacity to provide children with care in a safe environment.

The vulnerability of Children, the guiding principles observe, is linked to their age and evolving capacity. Some children, because of gender, race, ethnic origin, disability or social status, are particularly vulnerable.

The principles end on a refreshing note contending that “ Children have the right to express their views, and to have these views taken into account in the implementation of policies and programmes ”

Furthermore, the Report of the Independent Experts advocates for the establishment of a Special Representative to the Secretary General on Violence against Children to advocate at the international level, in conjunction with UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the creation of a UN inter-agency group on violence against children, with representation from NGOs and children themselves.

The report believes that shattering the silence that surrounds domestic violence is key to ending violent behaviour in the home.