Measuring Violence Against Children in Humanitarian Settings
Implementation Guidance for a Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS)
The Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS) have been implemented in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Violence against children is a global crisis, with an estimated 1 billion children experiencing violence annually. A robust body of literature has established that violence can lead to a host of short- and long-term health consequences including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, poor mental health, poor pregnancy outcomes, and chronic diseases. Further, child victims of violence may go on to become perpetrators later in life, perpetuating the cycle. Preventing, interrupting, and responding to violence against children should be prioritized due to the magnitude and lynchpin nature of this public health crisis.
This Implementation Guidance document describes the key tenets for adapting a VACS.