Effects of child abuse and neglect on the welfare of children in Kawempe Division in Kampala District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of child abuse and neglect on the welfare of children in Kawempe division Kampala district. The study was guided by the following objectives; to explore the nature of child abuse and neglect among children in Kawempe division, to examine ways in which child abuse has affected children in Kawempe as well as to determine how children have coped with abuse and neglect in Kawempe division. The study used a cross sectional research design with both qualitative and quantitative research methods which help to gather information on child abuse and neglect. The sample size of the study was 65 children who have experience abuse and neglect as well as have had an encounter with child abuse and neglect these were selected using purposive sampling. Questionnaires and interview guides were generated to collect the required data that was later analyzed using Statistical Package for social scientist (SPSS). The findings of the study highlight that child abuse and neglect can take different forms for example; physical abuse, child sexual abuse, emotional neglect, psychological as well as educational neglect. However, each of these has lasting negative impacts on the child for instance development issues, low self-esteem, trauma, and low academic achievement. Furthermore, the revealed that socio demographic factor plays a role in the abuse and neglect of children in Kawempe division for instance the higher the household income the lower the possibilities of children experiencing child abuse and neglect compared to low level of household income. Additionally, children who are living with their biological parents experience lesser abuse compared to those living with their uncles and other relatives. Finally, the study concluded with recommending the need for proper diagnosis on the side of organizations dealing with who have experienced and suffered neglect as this will enhance effective interventions and prevent future developmental difficulties and the need to strengthen existing policies on child abuse and neglect so as to create conducive environment for children to in safety and security.