Child Rights to Prevention of Physical Violence

Abstract

The module starts with examining the conceptual framework of violence against children with reference to physical and psychological violence, commercial exploitation and sexual abuse and sexual harassment which occur in all settings, in the home and family, schools and educational settings, care and justice institutions, places of work and the community. Children have a right to protection violence as no violence against children is justifiable, and all violence against children is preventable. The module then focuses on physical violence against children with reference to the intentional use of physical force against a child that results in—or has a high likelihood of resulting in—harm for the child’s health, survival, development or dignity. It includes corporal punishment and bullying. The module facilitates development of awareness of causes, child vulnerability and effects of physical abuse/corporal punishment and bullying among children, and child rights and strategies for their prevention.