Experience of abuse among Sri Lankan school children

Abstract

AIMS: To describe the experiences of abuse and maltreatment among children and adolescents in 3 districts in Sri Lanka. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in Anuradapura, Monaragala and Kandy districts in January-March 2011. Five schools were randomly selected from each district. Two primary classes [grade 4-5 [children)] and 3 senior classes [grades 9-11 [adolescents]] were randomly selected and all students in selected classes were recruited into the study after obtaining informed consent from students and staff. A self administered questionnaire given under examination conditions was used to gather data. The questionnaire contained questions regarding experiences of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Results: The study population comprised 739 children [Anuradapura-279, Moneragala-207, Kandy-253) and 1091 adolescents [Anuradapura-327, Moneragala-387, Kandy-377). Male; female ratio was 49:51. 75% children and 91% adolescents claimed that they are physically punished when they misbehave in school, whereas 79% and 97% respectively, agreed that they are shouted at. 28% adolescents [MaIe-49%, Female-10%) had performed life endangering tasks, and in 43% the caretaker/adult had requested it of them. Part-time child labour was reported by 2.7% children and 1.6% adolescents. 2.6% children [Male-3.6%, Female-1.7%) and 1.7% adolescents [Male-2%, Female-1.4%) had experienced incidents of sexual abuse. 14% children and 7% adolescents were staying alone at home whereas 37% children and 49% adolescents travelled alone. CONCLUSIONS: Corporal punishment, although banned, is still being widely used as a disciplinary method. About 2% of school children had experienced sexual abuse. Significant proportions of school children were either living alone or going out alone, and are therefore at risk of abuse.