Prevalence of physical violence against children in Haiti: A national population-based cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Although physical violence against children is common worldwide, there are no national estimates in Haiti. To establish baseline national estimates, a three-stage clustered sampling design was utilized to administer a population-based household survey about victimization due to physical violence to 13–24 year old Haitians (n = 2,916), including those residing in camps or settlements. Descriptive statistics and weighted analysis techniques were used to estimate national lifetime prevalence and characteristics of physical violence against children. About two-thirds of respondents reported having experienced physical violence during childhood (67.0%; 95% CI 63.4–70.4), the percentage being similar in males and females. More than one-third of 13–17 year old respondents were victimized in the 12 months prior to survey administration (37.8%; 95% CI 33.6–42.1). The majority of violence was committed by parents and teachers; and the perceived intent was often punishment or discipline. While virtually all (98.8%; 95% CI 98.0–99.3) victims of childhood physical violence were punched, kicked, whipped or beaten; 11.0% (95% CI 9.2–13.2) were subject to abuse by a knife or other weapon. Injuries sustained from violence varied by victim gender and perpetrator, with twice as many females (9.6%; 95% CI 7.1–12.7) than males (4.0%; 95% CI 2.6–6.1) sustaining permanent injury or disfigurement by a family member or caregiver (p-value <.001). Our findings suggest that physical violence against children in Haiti is common, and may lead to severe injury. Characterization of the frequency and nature of this violence provides baseline estimates to inform interventions.

Orofacial Injuries in Children and Adolescents (2009-2013): A 5-Year Study In Porto, Portugal

“…When injuries by gender are compared, the face remains the region most affected, boys being subject to a greater number of acts of aggression than girls. On analyzing injuries by age group, no major differences were found between those less than 15 years old and those who were 15 years old or older (18,23).…”

“…When a dental trauma occurs, this preferentially involves temporary front teeth, and is often caused by direct trauma (by a fist or hand) or indirect trauma (a heavy instrument which has been thrust into or on the oral cavity) (24). Dental trauma includes fractures, dislocations or subluxation, or the unexplained absence of teeth (9,11,23,25). Health professionals in hospital emergency departments and those in the private sector can, in their daily activity, play an important role in detecting PVAC.…”

Health Outcomes for Children in Haiti Since the 2010 Earthquake: A Systematic Review

“…56 Almost all of the children in this study were punched, kicked, whipped, or beaten, and 11.0% had experienced abuse with a knife or other weapon. 56 Restavèk children, children kept as household domestic servants in Haiti, were also surveyed to identify their experiences of physical abuse. Restavèk children aged five to 14 years reported less physical abuse (8.6%) than nonrestavèk children (16.6%).…”

Associations of the Number of Medical Visits for the Violence Victimization and Psychological Problems in Adolescents in Korea

“…Previous studies reported substantial consequences for that adverse childhood experiences were predictive of health anxiety in adulthood. 32 The frequency of medical visits or violence victimization might be related to the personal factors, school environment, domestic environment, social factors, and overall ecosystem factors of the perpetrator or victim student. 33 The future study would be needed to understand experiences of violence victimized by youth, and to develop the institutional mechanism of systematic mental health evaluation and interventions for those with severe violence exposures.…”