PREDICTORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN CHILDREN AGED 10-17 YEARS IN KINAWATAKA SLUM AREA

Abstract

The study assessed the predictors of Gender-Based Violence in Children aged 10-17 years in Kinawataka Slum area. The specific objectives of the study were; to identify the socio-cultural predictors of GBV against children aged 10-17 years, to understand how family setup influences GBV against children aged 10-17 years and to find out the institutional predictors that are currently in place for eradication of GBV against children aged 10-17 years in Kinawataka slum area. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and a sample size of 420 respondents was used which included 30 Key respondents, 40 parents and 350 children. Both simple random sampling and purposive sampling technique were used to select the respondents and data was collected using an electronic survey questionnaire and interview guide which was done using Kobo Toolbox in support of the research assistants. The study established that there is high prevalence of child gender based violence in Kinawataka Slum area and girls are abused more than boys. The major forms of child GBV identified were; sexual abuse like bad touches, rape/defilement and molestation, forced marriage and verbal abuse. The study found out no significant relationship between socio-cultural predictors and gender-based violence against children in Kinawataka. But found out a significant relationship with between family set up and institutional predictors on gender based violence. The study therefore recommends that the government of Uganda and the Uganda Police needs to do more community policing and sensitization of the communities about the dangers of the child GBV and also parents need to be friendly to their children and create a more conducive environment for the children in order to always share with them and understand the challenges they go through in their lives but not being rude to them.