ICAP strives to promote our motto that “all children deserve to be safe strong and free.” In order to reach this goal, it is important for caregivers, educators, and policy makers to understand the scope of the issues surrounding child assault, and how to address them. Large sets of data collected by organizations such as the WHO provide this kind of information and highlight the importance of our work in preventing and intervening in child abuse and neglect internationally.
These reports, research summaries, and related resources are provided to enrich and enhance the understanding and professional development of CAP providers worldwide.
Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020
This 2020 WHO report evaluates the efficacy of policies for preventing and responding to violence against children in different countries, according to the INSPIRE prevention strategies framework. The report documents the widespread prevalence of child abuse around the world and offers strategies for future prevention efforts.
ICAP Regional Training Centers Report 2019
This 2019 Report details the efficacy and feasibility of the CAP programs and services among Regional Training Centers across the world. This report is based on a survey that highlights trends in reported issues (given to facilitators), access to child protective services in CAP regions, and the longevity of CAP programs. The report also provides an evaluation of the fidelity of services to CAP program guidelines. Finally, the report offers thoughts on the future directions for ICAP and how to best support RTCs.
Out of the Shadows: Shining Light on the Response to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
The Economist Intelligence Unit published this report in 2020 in order to look more closely at responses to sexual violence against children. The report examines responses in a number of countries and focuses on four categories: environment, legal framework, government commitment and capacity, and engagement of industry, social society, and media. The report emphasizes the prevalence of this violence and the importance of focusing on prevention, as well as the need to establish resources that address the issue.
Individual, Family, and Culture Level Contributions to Child Physical Abuse and Neglect: A Longitudinal Study in Nine Countries
Lansford et al. (2015) conducted this multi-level study in order to examine the predictors of child abuse and neglect across countries and cultures. By looking at families in nine countries over time, they were able to compare changes within individual families over time, examine differences between individual families of the same culture, and assess differences in families from different cultures. They found that children’s externalizing behaviors, as well as cultural differences, especially the perceived normalcy of corporal punishment by parents, acted as the strongest predictors of abuse and neglect regardless of culture. This study points out several factors contributing to child abuse and neglect at multiple levels, particularly illuminating the critical role that societal norms play. Such research suggests that altering parental beliefs about corporal punishment, and implementing broad policies that ban such treatment of children, is a crucial first step in combatting child abuse and neglect on a global scale.
