Preventing Child Abuse through Sensitisation: A Case Study of Selected Communities in Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The main objective of this study is to examine the role of sensitization in preventing child abuse in selected communities of Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The specific objectives are to:
- Assess the level of awareness and knowledge of community members about the forms, causes, and consequences of child abuse.
- Identify the sensitization strategies and channels currently used to educate communities on child abuse prevention.
- Examine the extent to which sensitization efforts influence attitudes and behaviours towards child protection in the study area.
- Determine the barriers and challenges that hinder the effectiveness of sensitization programmes in preventing child abuse.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Child Abuse
Child abuse refers to any intentional harm or mistreatment inflicted upon a child under the age of 18, which negatively affects the child’s physical, emotional, psychological, or social well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child maltreatment as “all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power” (WHO, 2022). This broad definition underscores the multifaceted nature of child abuse, capturing various harmful behaviors that children may experience within families, schools, and communities.
Child abuse generally manifests in four primary forms: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional (psychological) abuse, and neglect. Physical abuse involves deliberate infliction of bodily harm such as hitting, shaking, or burning (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity imposed on a child, ranging from molestation to exploitation and trafficking (CDC, 2021). Emotional abuse encompasses behaviors that damage a child’s self-esteem or emotional health, such as constant criticism, humiliation, or rejection (Mathews et al., 2020). Neglect, which is often the most common yet overlooked form, refers to the failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, emotional, and educational needs (Mathews et al., 2020; WHO, 2022).
The prevalence of child abuse remains alarmingly high worldwide. According to UNICEF (2021), about three-quarters of children aged 2 to 4 years experience violent discipline, including physical and psychological punishment. Research by Mathews and colleagues (2020) further notes that exposure to abuse in childhood significantly increases the risk of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and poor social outcomes in later life. This highlights the critical need for effective prevention and early intervention strategies.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
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This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The descriptive survey method was chosen because it allows for systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data regarding the level of awareness, knowledge, and sensitization strategies related to child abuse prevention within selected communities in Ose Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State. This design is appropriate as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the existing situation and practices without manipulation of variables (Creswell, 2014).
Study Area
The research was conducted in selected communities within Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Ose LGA is predominantly rural, with diverse ethnic groups and socio-cultural practices influencing child-rearing and protection. The choice of Ose LGA was informed by reports of child abuse cases and ongoing efforts by government and NGOs to promote child protection through sensitization.
Population of the Study
The target population comprised community members including parents, caregivers, traditional and religious leaders, teachers, and youth leaders within the selected communities. These groups were chosen because of their influential roles in child upbringing and community sensitization efforts.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION
Introduction
This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of data collected from respondents in selected communities within Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State. The data are analyzed based on the research questions guiding the study:
- What is the level of awareness and knowledge of community members about the forms, causes, and consequences of child abuse in the study area?
- What sensitization strategies and communication channels are currently used to educate communities on child abuse prevention in Ose LGA?
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of the Study
This study examined the role of sensitization in preventing child abuse within selected communities in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. It specifically explored the level of awareness and knowledge of community members about the forms, causes, and consequences of child abuse, as well as the sensitization strategies and communication channels currently used to educate communities on child abuse prevention.
The descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 285 respondents through questionnaires and key informant interviews. The analysis revealed that while awareness of physical and sexual abuse was relatively high, knowledge about emotional abuse and neglect was comparatively lower. Poverty, parental stress, and lack of education were identified as primary causes of child abuse.
Sensitization efforts in the study area largely relied on community meetings, school programs, religious gatherings, and the use of local leaders, with radio broadcasts being the most effective communication channel. Challenges such as cultural resistance, limited resources, and insufficient integration of services were noted as hindrances to the effectiveness of sensitization programs.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of sensitization in preventing child abuse. Increased awareness and knowledge contribute to better recognition and reporting of abuse cases, thereby enhancing child protection. However, gaps in understanding less visible forms of abuse, cultural norms that may perpetuate harmful practices, and resource constraints limit the overall impact of sensitization efforts.
For sensitization programs to be truly effective, they must be continuous, culturally sensitive, and supported by accessible child protection services. The involvement of community influencers such as traditional and religious leaders is vital in changing attitudes and promoting protective behaviors.
Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions, the study recommends the following:
- Government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations should intensify sensitization efforts, ensuring they are ongoing rather than one-off events. Programs should place greater emphasis on educating about all forms of child abuse, especially emotional abuse and neglect.
- Traditional and religious leaders should be actively involved as advocates for child protection to leverage their influence in challenging harmful cultural norms.
- While radio remains effective, integrating social media, mobile phone messaging, and printed materials in local languages can expand outreach, particularly to younger and more remote populations.
- Training workshops should be provided to empower parents, teachers, and youth leaders with skills to identify, prevent, and respond to child abuse.
- Strengthening child protection mechanisms, including accessible reporting systems, counseling services, and legal enforcement, will encourage communities to act on sensitization knowledge.
REFERENCES
- Adewale, O., & Ojo, T. (2023). Community awareness and child protection in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Social Development, 17(2), 88–102.
- Akinwale, O., & Bello, T. (2022). Impact of sensitization programs on child protection in Nigerian communities. Journal of Social Development, 16(3), 45–59.
- Eze, P. N., Okoye, J. O., & Ugochukwu, C. N. (2020). Cultural barriers to child abuse prevention in rural Nigeria. African Journal of Child Welfare, 12(2), 112–128.
- Fapohunda, T. M., & Adebayo, S. O. (2021). Linking awareness campaigns to child protection outcomes in Nigeria. Journal of Community Development Research, 9(1), 75–88.
- Kebede, M., Alemu, D., & Tadesse, W. (2022). The role of community sensitization in health promotion: A systematic review. Health Education Research, 37(1), 55–70.
- Livingstone, S., Stoilova, M., & Kelly, A. (2023). Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Challenges and Responses. Journal of Child Protection, 15(2), 89–105.
