Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Violence and Harmful Practices Against Children in Afghanistan: A baseline study

Since 2012, Save the Children (SCI) has been working with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) on a Holistic Child Protection Programme in Afghanistan. A key component of the program has focused on child protection systems strengthening, in coordination with the Ministry of Labor, Social Welfare, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD). The overall objective of the present initiative is to strengthen child protection prevention initiatives and quality access to child protection response services to reduce instances of violence, exploitation, and neglect of children. Specifically, the program aims to strengthen child protection systems at the national, provincial, district and community level to protect children at risk of abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect.

The present study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on violence and harmful practices against children in SCI targeted provinces, namely Balkh, Jawzjan, Sari Pul, Nangarhar, and Kabul (street working children only). The KAP survey identifies knowledge gaps, cultural beliefs or behavioral patterns, practices and any other socio-cultural and economic factors that facilitate understanding or create barriers for protecting children in SCI target communities. At the same time, the survey establishes baseline data for the proposed programme. Based on the findings, MoLSAMD and SCI will also design and implement an awareness raising campaign that will raise the general public awareness on the protection needs of children.