Peer-reviewed article

Experience and Perception of Violence Against Children Among Caregivers in South-South Nigeria

Hendrith Esene, Bodeno Ehis · 2 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Violence against children remains a major public health and human rights concern, with high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa due to cultural norms and weak protection systems. In Nigeria, many children experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence before age 18, often within the home. Caregivers’ awareness and perception play a critical role in shaping their disciplinary practices and children’s safety. This study assessed caregivers’ awareness and perception of violence against children in Edo State. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 419 caregivers selected through multi-stage sampling in Okada Community. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, awareness, and perception. Awareness was scored on a 0–10 scale, and perception assessed with a Likert-based index. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with Chi-square tests used to determine associations at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 382 caregivers (91.2%) had heard of violence against children, while 37 (8.8%) had no prior knowledge. Among those aware, the major information sources were media 271 (70.9%), family and friends 239 (61.5%), community programmes 145 (38.0%), and schools 136 (35.6%). Based on awareness scoring, 263 caregivers (68.8%) had high awareness and 119 (31.2%) had low awareness. Recognized forms of violence included sexual abuse 373 (97.6%), neglect 295 (72.2%), verbal abuse 234 (61.3%), and 164 (42.9%) physical punishment. Awareness of child protection laws was present in 245 caregivers (64.1%), while 137 (35.9%) were unaware. Awareness of harmful effects was reported by 300 (78.5%), and among them, common consequences identified were depression 69 (23.0%), low self-esteem 49 (16.3%), and social withdrawal 41 (13.7%). Only 110 caregivers (26.3%) had attended any child-protection training. Awareness showed significant associations with age (p = 0.034), sex (p = 0.011), marital status (p = 0.027), occupation (p < 0.001), caregiving role (p < 0.001), and number of dependents (p = 0.047). Perception was mixed: 273 caregivers (65.1%) agreed that physical punishment is necessary, and 204 (48.7%) agreed that shouting is acceptable. Conversely, 321 caregivers (76.6%) disagreed that neglect is not a form of violence. Overall, 341 caregivers (81.4%) had positive perception, while 78 (18.6%) had negative perception. Perception varied significantly by caregiving role (p = 0.001), with parents 249 (86.5%) and older siblings 55 (84.6%) showing more positive perception than nannies 12 (46.2%).