Restavèk children in context: Wellbeing compared to other Haitian children

The experience of violence against children in domestic servitude in Haiti: Results from the Violence Against Children Survey, Haiti 2012

“…Consistent with prior research, this study documents that restavèks are more commonly female and are less likely than other children to have access to education (Pierre et al, 2009; Haydocy et al, 2015). Approximately 70% of female and male restavèks experienced childhood physical violence and approximately half experienced childhood emotional violence.…”

“…For example, some studies have found that restavèks are often unable to attend school (Haydocy, Yotebieng, & Norris, 2015) and may work up to 12 h a day performing all the household cooking, cleaning, washing, errands, and other physically demanding tasks, like collecting water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Interuniversity Institute for Research and Development, 2011; Hoffman, 2012; Kennedy, 2012; Sommerfelt, 2002; McCalla, 2002; Minnesota Lawyers International Human Rights Committee, 1990; Pierre et al, 2009; Restavèk Freedom, 2011). Compared to children of the host household, most restavèks receive inadequate food and clothing, sleep on the floor, and dine separate from the host family.…”

“…However, there has been little quantitative research on violence against restavèk children as compared to other children in Haiti (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Interuniversity Institute for Research and Development, 2011; McCalla, 2002; Restavèk Freedom, 2011). A recent national study (Haydocy et al, 2015) used the 2012 Haitian DHS to estimate the prevalence of restavèk children and compare their living situation to other Haitian children. The study found restavèks had less access to education and more labor responsibilities than other children, but did not experience more physical violence (Haydocy et al, 2015).…”

“…A recent national study (Haydocy et al, 2015) used the 2012 Haitian DHS to estimate the prevalence of restavèk children and compare their living situation to other Haitian children. The study found restavèks had less access to education and more labor responsibilities than other children, but did not experience more physical violence (Haydocy et al, 2015). However, only one adult from the household was interviewed and asked to self-report on perpetration of physical violence against restavèks, so estimates may not be accurate if physical violence was perpetrated by others in the home or the respondent was not comfortable disclosing perpetration.…”

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

“…26 However, restavèk children had significantly lower school attendance and more labor experiences. 26 Following the earthquake, there was considerable media attention around rising incidents of sexual violence in Haiti. A household study in Port-au-Prince estimated that 5,209 girls and 324 boys from 1,732 households had been sexually assaulted after the earthquake in 2010.…”