Evaluation of access to established coping mechanisms against poverty-induced child violence in Mpigi District, Uganda
1Nabakooza Lilian and 2Samuel Mugisha
1,2Department of Applied Psychology Kampala International University P. O. Box 20000 Kampala
Email: nabakozaliliana@gmail.com; samuel.mugisha@kiu.ac.ug
ABSTRACT
This study explored access to coping strategies against poverty-induced violence among children living in impoverished conditions in Mpigi District. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and documentary analysis. A total of 109 participants consented to take part in the study. Results revealed a high incidence of violence against children, with respondents acknowledging various forms of abuse, including physical (hitting/slapping), psychological (verbal abuse), sexual (assault and rape), and economic (withholding resources) violence. Children from economically disadvantaged households were particularly vulnerable to these abuses. Specifically, 46.2% of participants agreed, and 12.8% strongly agreed, that children experience physical violence within their homes. Moreover, 51.3% agreed, and 15.4% strongly agreed, that children face psychological violence in domestic settings. Notably, 33.3% of participants agreed, and 23.1% strongly agreed, that children endure sexual violence, while 38.5% agreed, and 30.8% strongly agreed, that children experience economic violence, including the withholding of financial resources. These findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect children from sexual exploitation and to support survivors. Addressing sexual violence is crucial for safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their overall well-being. The study also revealed the extent of economic violence faced by children in impoverished households in Mpigi District, suggesting that such violence perpetuates cycles of poverty and vulnerability by denying children access to basic needs and increasing the risk of child labor. Tackling economic violence is essential for ensuring that children’s fundamental needs are met and for reducing child labor rates. Identified coping mechanisms included seeking social support from family and friends (56.4%), utilizing formal support and legal services (69.3%), accessing public recreational facilities (69.3%), engaging in income-generating activities (65.9%), participating in community-based groups (23.1%), and seeking professional help (15.4%). This study underscores the barriers marginalized populations face in accessing formal support services and highlights the need for culturally sensitive and accessible mental health resources. Addressing psychological violence is vital for promoting children’s mental health and preventing long-term emotional harm.
Keywords: Poverty-induced violence, Coping strategies, Economic violence, Child abuse, Social support, Mental health resources
CITE AS: Nabakooza Lilian and Samuel Mugisha (2024). Evaluation of access to established coping mechanisms against poverty-induced child violence in Mpigi District, Uganda. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 9(3):23-30. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2024/9.3.2330