A Descriptive Study on Violence against Street Children in Manila

Abstract

This study' attempted to know the characteristics of violence against street children. The respondents were 27 children who are currently living or staying for long period of time on the streets of Manila. Data on the socio-demographic profile of these children and their families, characteristics of daily activities, overall experience of violence, attitudes and opinions regarding violence against street children were obtained using a pre-tested interview-guided questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used in presenting and analyzing data. Significant differences between factors that were predicted to have influence on the prevalence of violence were tested using the t-test The results indicated that the prevalence of violence among the respondents was 1.93, which means there is low level of abuse among street children. Most common form of violence was verbal and emotional. But other types of violence such as physical, sexual and neglect were also present. Violence was most prevalent among male street children, those who were 5-8 years old, out of school and non-working. Children from lamilies of single-parent type, with few members, and with both parents who are nonworking were found to be maltreated most However, t-test revealed that abuse was not significantly associated with child’s gender, age, work status, education status, family type, family size and w ork status of his parents. Meanwhile, street children do not only experience violence from strangers but even from their parents. They are at risk either in the streets or in their houses. When abused, most of the respondents claimed to never disclose their problems with anyone though almost half were willing to take legal actions. Most common solution perceived by street children was staying away from people who hurt them. Recommendations to safeguard the interest and life of street children were described.