Peer-reviewed article

Frontline practitioners’ perspective of the implementation of child protection laws and prevention of violence against children in Maputo, Mozambique

Sergio Nhassengo, Stela Ocuane Matsinhe, Eunice Jethá, Mathilde Sengoelge, Lucie Laflamme et al. · 28 Jan 2026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Frontline practitioners play a crucial role in the implementation and enforcement of child protection laws. Yet, studies on how they experience applying those laws are scarce, not least in the sub-Saharan Africa region where rates of violence against children are persistently high. OBJECTIVE: This study provides an insight into the views of frontline practitioners in the implementation and enforcement of child protection laws, with a focus on what they experience as barriers and facilitators. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 17 frontline practitioners from child protection services in Maputo City, Mozambique's capital. The interviews addressed barriers, facilitators, gender norms and attitudes and forms of violence. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed, translated, and thematically analysed. RESULTS: The results resolved around two overarching themes: 1) barriers to the implementation and enforcement of child protection laws, including system-related deficiencies (material, human and organizational); Law related shortcomings (gaps in the content and constraints); and sociocultural norms and attitudes perpetuating violence. 2) facilitators to the implementation and enforcement of child protection laws, including access to resource support from non-governmental organisations and newly established multisectoral mechanism for responding to violence. CONCLUSION: Effective implementation and enforcement of child protection laws in Mozambique requires adequate resource allocation and funding to strength child protection services. It may also be necessary to enhance multisectoral coordination and harmonization of child protection laws. Furthermore, adapted evidence-based interventions from the WHO INSPIRE framework may help to improve both the prevention and response to violence against children.