The Effects of Community-Based Child Protection Mechanisms on Sexual Violence against Children in Rombo District, Tanzania

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.