The Role of Community Institutions On Child Abuse Prevention in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the role of community institutions on child abuse prevention in Moshi Municipality in Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to examine the role of family, education, religious institutions and child welfare officers on child abuse prevention at Majengo and Njoro Ward in Moshi municipality. The study was grounded on Social Learning theory developed by Canadian psychologist Albert Bandura. Informed by constructivist philosophy and case study research design, the study adopted a qualitative research approach, focusing on gathering rich, detailed insights into the lived experiences and perspectives of family’s institutions, educational and religious institutions in Moshi Municipality. A purposeful sampling method was used to obtain the suitable respondents to engage in the study. The study population was parents, teachers and religious leaders. The key informant interview guide was used to collect data from 40 participants. Thematic data analysis technique was used. The presence of child abuse in our country has significant implications to our community and nation at large; the statistics on child abuse around the world are extremely alarming and require immediate international attention. Child abuse has a negative impact on children's basic welfare in both rural and urban areas, as well as socioeconomic development. In 2022 the National Bureau of Statistics of Tanzania (NBS) reported 7,852 cases on child abuse and that there is an increase about 12 per cent than the previous year. The findings revealed that family play a great role in child abuse prevention by providing and allocate resources to children, caregiving, communication, and act as a role model. Furthermore, it was found that, education institution is a fundamental pillar in preventing child abuse by raising awareness, providing safe environments, and fostering early intervention. Moreover, it was found that, religious institutions are also key players in preventing child abuse by promoting moral values, offering support, and providing safe spaces for children within Moshi Municipality. It is recommended that, all community institutions they should teach children on the sign of violation and abuse which will help them to avoid all activities that can lead to violation.