TITLE:
The Effects of Community-Based Child Protection Mechanisms on Sexual Violence against Children in Rombo District, Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Michael Reuben, Fauzia Mohamed, Felician Mutasa
KEYWORDS:
Community-Based Child Protection Mechanisms, Sexual Violence, Rombo, Tanzania
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.1,
January
10,
2022
ABSTRACT: This paper aimed at examining the effects of community-based
child protection mechanisms on sexual violence against children in Rombo
District, Tanzania. Little research has been conducted using robust
methodologies to investigate the effects of community-based child protection
mechanisms in Tanzania. Thus, a mixed-method study design using interviews and
focus group discussions were conducted to collect data on the effects of community-based
child protection mechanisms in Rombo District in Kilimanjaro region. The region
has been implementing community-based child protection mechanisms interventions
to end sexual violence against children. One hundred and fifty-eight (158)
participants were involved in the study. A hundred and eight (108) respondents
participated in a survey, forty participated in focus group discussions and ten
participated in interviews. Data were analysed quantitatively using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences version 23 and qualitatively using thematic
categories to facilitate interpretation. The study finding indicated that Community-based
Child Protection Mechanisms have a contribution towards ending sexual violence
against children. The interventions have made parents more vigilant, willing
and ready to report sexual violence against children to community-based child
protection mechanisms, have improved access to services on sexual violence
against children, have increased proper handling of cases reported to community-based
child protection mechanisms and have improved reporting of sexual violence
against children cases to the Police and Social Welfare Officers. Furthermore,
the interventions have improved case management and have strengthened
collaboration between actors in Rombo District. However, lack of funds and
inadequate knowledge and skills have constrained the implementation of community-based
child protection mechanisms interventions in Rombo District. Therefore, the
study recommends that the government and Civil Society Organizations should
invest in community-based child protection mechanisms in terms of the provision
of financial resources and skills development in order to combat sexual
violence against children.