The Reporting of Violence Against Children in Albania
Results of a National Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Survey
- English
- Shqip
Highlights
This comprehensive survey represents a deep dive into adults' knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors towards violence against children (VAC) illuminated by a multifaceted landscape. Despite Albania's progressive legislative strides against VAC, including the prohibition of corporal punishment in educational settings and mandated reporting of VAC by adults, the study unearthed a stark reality: while many adults perceive their communities as unsafe for children, there exists a nuanced perception regarding the prevalence of VAC itself. Strikingly, awareness of specific types of VAC varied significantly among respondents, underscoring the need for targeted educational initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps.
Moreover, the survey underscored the complexity of reporting practices regarding VAC, with a notable discrepancy between awareness of the issue and actual reporting behavior. Despite recognizing the importance of reporting instances of VAC, particularly within familial and community contexts, many respondents hesitated to report such incidents, citing various barriers such as fear of retaliation and uncertainty about reporting mechanisms. These findings highlight the critical imperative for comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate adults about VAC and reporting avenues, coupled with targeted interventions aimed at dispelling societal norms that perpetuate acceptance of violence against children.
