The impact of domestic violence on children’s right to survival: A case study of Kawempe Division, Kampala District

Abstract

Many children in families in which domestic violence takes place in Uganda, have remained invisible as witnesses and others victims. Domestic violence has led to violation of children’s right to survival, yet the government of Uganda Ratified the International Charters and Conventions on the Rights of children.

The objectives of the study were: to establish the impact of domestic violence on the violation of children’s survival rights, to examine how various forms of domestic violence have affected the children’s rights to survival, to find out strategies for protecting children whose rights are affected by domestic violence, and to review the existing knowledge on how to minimize domestic violence.

The study was conducted in Kawempe Division, Kampala District Uganda. A total of ninety eight respondents were reached, where children and adults were engaged to share their views and experiences on domestic violence and the impact it has on children’s survival rights. Both qualitative and quantitative designs were adopted. Data was collected from different informants using interview guide, questionnaire and observations.

Children were asked about their experience of domestic violence within their families and communities at large, how domestic violence manifests; how often it occurs, how it makes them feel and what reactions they get about domestic violence and what they believe should be done to prevent it. Adults too, were asked what they understand by the term ‘domestic violence’ ways of preventing it and promoting the right of children to survival.

The results show that domestic violence plays a significant role in the violation of children’s survival rights. The right of children to survival was seen to be the provision of basic needs like food, clothes, medication, education, shelter and parental care among others by the parents and guardians for the children to live a better standard of life. The research conducted revealed that there is little awareness of child rights , therefore, there is need for civic education among families and community members on dangers of domestic violence and violation of child rights.

The study recommended that the government and its institutions to increase on the functional laws regarding violation of children’s rights due to domestic violence. Training and more financial support to the police and probation offices to follow up cases of domestic violence were also recommended.

In short: the study showed that there is lack of child protection in families. Therefore, the concentration should be put on children who have remained invisible and suffered from domestic violence. Besides there should be laws put in place for governing child welfare.