Vulnerable children

Violence against children in Tanzania

Violence is a serious human right, social and public health issue and its consequences can be devastating to those involved. This is a problem that affects all culture, all societies in all countries. Violence erodes the strong foundation that children need for leading a healthy and productive life. Violence against children is NEVER justifiable. Violence against children is not inevitable and entirely preventable.

The Government of Tanzania have taken the brave step of acknowledging that violence against children is a problem in their country and to address it. Their first step has been to allow a report be undertaken in their country and addresses sexual, physical and emotional forms of violence. They have done this because they see the impact of violence against their nation’s children as a major threat to their national development and their desire to reach the Millennium Goals and their own MKUKUTA vision. They believe that they cannot provide a quality primary education in an environment where the children feel unsafe, they cannot reduce the spread of HIV/AIDs without tackling sexual violence, and they recognise that they cannot challenge social and cultural norms of violence without understanding its circumstances. The Tanzanian Government signed up to the UN’s Rights of the Child (1990) which is reflected in their Law of the Child Act (2009)

FACTS

• 28% of females aged 13-24 reported at least one incident of sexual violence before turning 18. 14% of females aged 13-17 reported that this happened at least once in the last 12 months. More than 67% of females who had experienced sexual violence prior to the age of 18 reported that the perpetrator in at least one of the incidents was older than them and 40% of reported that the perpetrator was at least 10 years older. The majority of the perpetrators were neighbours and strangers. Almost 50% reported that at least one of these experiences took place at someone’s home; almost 25% reported an incident occurred while travelling to or from school and 15% reported that it took place at school or in school grounds. The majority of these incidents occur between noon and 8.00 pm. Almost 50% of the children didn’t tell anyone about their abuse. Females who experience sexual violence prior to the age of 18 were more likely to report feelings of depression and anxiety than those who did not experience sexual violence. 6% of females who had ever been pregnant reported at least one pregnancy was related to an incident of sexual violence. Approximately 4% of females aged 13-17 reported being given money or goods in exchange for sex, the prevalence of violence against this group is higher than for those who had not received money or goods in exchange for sex.
• 13% of males aged 13-24 reported at least one incident of sexual violence before turning 18. 6% of males aged 13-18 reported that this had happened at least once in the last 12 months.
• The most common form of sexual violence is touching followed by attempted sexual intercourse.
• When asked what was happening before the sexual violence occurred the answers varied, from having an argument (16.5%), being on a date (9%). Other situations cited by females include going to/from a large event (festival or market); farming, collecting firewood/water.
• Of those who had experienced their first sexual intercourse prior to the age of 18, 29% of females and 18% of males reported that they were unwilling participants and were either forced or coerced to engage in sexual intercourse.
• The majority of both females and males who reported childhood sexual violence said they experienced two or more incidents. Only 35% (females) and 49% (males) reported only one incident.
• Almost 75% of males and females reported experiencing physical violence by a relative (mostly parental), authority figures (such as teachers) or an intimate partner prior to the age of 18. This can lead to anxiety, having suicidal thoughts and depression.
• Approximately 25% of females and 335 of males reported experiences of emotional violence prior to turning 18 with 4-5% reporting that they were threatened with abandonment by an abusive parent.

This paints a very honest picture of a country where violence against children is accepted and rarely challenged. We congratulate the Tanzanian Government for their bravery in taking this first step.

The use of the cane at schools continues despite being against the law and parents often ask teachers to administer corporal punishment on their behalf.

The report highlights that 60% of females and 50% of males between the ages of 13-14 believe it is appropriate for a husband to beat his wife if she goes out without telling him, neglects the children, argues with him, refuses to have sex with him or burns the food. The Livingstone Tanzania Trust does not approve of violence in any form and believes that violence breeds violence. We want to challenge those in authority who believe that violence is an acceptable tool.

Moving Forward

Whilst the Tanzania Government has got lots of work to do in order to address the issues raised in the report, there are things that the Livingstone Tanzania Trust can start to do.

• We will bring the report to the attention of the Babati Town Directorate and ask for their views and experiences. If requested we will contribute towards the formation of a community awareness programme that asks the community to challenge the endorsement of the use of violence and educates the adults about the problems and impacts of violence on the children themselves. We can pilot the programme in one of the communities where we work.
• We will seek donors to assist us build dormitories at secondary schools so that those whose commute is long can remain at the school.