Course description
Ending Violence Against Children
An analysis of nationally representative survey data on the prevalence of violence against children in 96 countries estimates that 1 billion children globally – over half of all children aged 2–17 years – have experienced emotional, physical or sexual violence in the past year. Despite its high prevalence, violence against children is often hidden, unseen or under-reported. Its hidden nature is well documented – for example, a meta-analysis of global data finds self-reported child sexual abuse 30 times higher and physical abuse 75 times higher than official reports would suggest.
The immediate and long-term public health consequences and economic costs of violence against children undermine investments in education, health, and child well-being, and erode the productive capacity of future generations. Exposure to violence at an early age can impair brain development and damage other parts of the nervous system, as well as the endocrine, circulatory, musculoskeletal, reproductive, respiratory and immune systems, with lifelong consequences. Strong evidence shows that violence in childhood increases the risks of injury; HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; mental health problems; delayed cognitive development; poor school performance and dropout; early pregnancy; reproductive health problems; and communicable and noncommunicable disease.
INSPIRE is an evidence-based resource for everyone committed to preventing and responding to violence against children and adolescents – from government to grassroots, and from civil society to the private sector. This MOOC represents a select group of strategies based on the best available evidence to help countries and communities intensify their focus on the prevention programmes and services with the greatest potential to reduce violence against children.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Prerequisites
None
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you'll learn
Each module will introduce one of the seven strategies, discuss current evidence from the field, and provide an overview of approaches to implementation. Child protection experts and practitioners from around the world will discuss their experiences with adapting the INSPIRE strategies and guide you through various case studies and best practices.
Training Course Content
Introduction to INSPIRE; 7 Strategies for Ending Violence Against Children
- How the INSPIRE Technical Package Can Help
- Magnitude of Violence Against Children
- Defining Violence Against Children
- Consequences and Costs of Violence Against Children
- Root Causes of Violence Against Children
- Understanding the Evidence in INSPIRE
- How to Implement INSPIRE Strategies
Implementation and Enforcement of Laws
- How Do Laws Serve a Child’s Right to be Protected From Violence?
- Laws Banning Violent Punishment of Children
- Laws Criminalizing Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children
- Laws That Prevent Alcohol Misuse
- Laws Limiting Youth Access to Firearms and Other Weapons
Norms and Values
- What Are Norms, Values, Gender Norms, and How Do They Influence Violence?
- Small Group Programmes
- Community Mobilization Programmes
- Bystander Interventions
Safe Environments
- What is the Role of Safe Public Spaces in Promoting Children’s Well-being?
- Protecting Children in Online Environments
- Reducing Violence by Addressing “Hot Spots”
- Interrupting the Spread of Violence
- Improving the Built Environment
Parent and Caregiver Support
- Importance of Positive and Nurturing Families in Preventing Violence Against Children
- Parenting Groups in Community Settings
- Home Visiting Programmes
- Comprehensive Programmes
Income and Economic Strengthening
- How Does Family Economic Stability and Empowerment Reduce the Risk Factors for Violence Against Children?
- Cash Transfers
- Group Savings and Loans Associations Combined with Gender-norms/Equity training
- Microfinance combined with gender-norms/equity training
Response and Support Services
- What Are “Child Friendly” and “Gender Sensitive” Services?
- Goal 1: Have a System for Helping Children
- Goal 2: Find Out Who Needs Help
- Goal 3: Help Children, Immediately and in the Longer Term
- Goal 4: Protect Children in Conflict with the Law
Education and Life Skills
- What is the Role of School Enrollment and School-Based Programs in Preventing Violence Against Children?
- Increase Participation in School
- Safe and Enabling School Environments
- Life and Social Skills Training
Course delivery details
This course is offered through Colgate University, a partner institute of EdX.
2-4 hours per week
Expenses
- Verified Track -$50
- Audit Track - Free