March 2018

Study Report

CHILD PROTECTION SECTION UNICEF Ghana Country Office

March 2018

CHILD PROTECTION SECTION UNICEF Ghana Country Office Rapid Assessment on Child Protection related Attitude, Beliefs and Practices in Ghana

@2018 March 2018

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Published by: UNICEF Ghana

For further information, contact: UNICEF Ghana P.O. Box AN 5051, Accra-North, Ghana. Telephone: +233302772524; www.unicef.org/ghana

These document was put together by Research and Development Division of the Ghana Health Service on behalf of UNICEF Ghana with financial support from the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada. The contents of the this document are the sole responsibility of research team. The contents don’t necessarily reflect the views and positions of UNICEF Ghana and Global Affairs Canada. Contents

Acknowledgements 12 Executive Summary 13 Key Findings 14 Demographic characteristics of respondents 14 Belief and attitudes about child protection issues 14 Practices related to child protection 16 Conclusion 16 Recommendations 17 1. Introduction 20 1.1 Objectives 20 2. Methodology 22 2.1 Study sites 22 2.2 Sampling Frame for section of Enumeration Areas (EAs) 22 2.3 Allocation of EAs 22 2.4 Selection of communities, houses and households 23 2.5 Selection of individual respondents 23 2. 6 Data Collection Procedure 24 2. 7 Data Management and Analysis 24 2.8 Ethical Considerations 24 3. Findings 26 3.1 Sociodemographic characteristics of Respondents 26 3.2 Belief and Attitudes about child protection issues 28 3.2.1 Disapproval of Violence against children in general 28 3.2.2 Corporal Punishment 32 3.2.3 Safety in the School Environment 41 3.2.4 Positive Child Discipline 44 3.2.5 Child Marriage 47 3.2.6 Family-based Care 55 3.3 Practices related to child protection 65 3.3.1 Are Adults comfortable talking to children about violence against children? 65 3.3.2 Are children comfortable talking to adults about violence against children? 71 3.3.3 What respondents will do when they experience, witness or suspect violence against a child 72 4. Conclusion 84 Recommendations 85 5. References 88 6. Appendices 90 6.1 Tables 90 Positive child discipline 94 6.2 List of Enumeration Areas 95

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 5 List of Tables

Table 2.31: Allocation of EAs by region and by type of residence 23 Table 3.11: Background characteristics of respondents 27 Table 3.21: Adult Respondents’ Disapproval of Violence against Children 29 Table 3.22: Child Respondents’ perception of disapproval of violence against children among parents/guardian and friends by type of EA 31 Table 3.23: Child Respondents’ perception of disapproval of violence against children among parents/guardian and friends by gender 31 Table 3.24: Individual Child respondents’ beliefs and attitudes towards corporal punishment 33 Table 3.25: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by gender 34 Table 3.26: Community’s belief and attitude towards discontinuing corporal punishment 37 Table 3.27: Child Respondents’ Perception of the Safety of the School Environment by Region 43 Table 3.28: Adult Respondents’ Perception of the Safety of the School Environment by Region 43 Table 3.29: Child Respondents assessment of the safety of school environment 44 Table 3.210: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by type of respondent 45 Table 3.211: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by region (child respondent) 46 Table 3.212: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by region (adult respondents) 47 Table 3.31: Self-assessment of ability to talk to children on violence against children and informal participation in child protection conversation among adult respondents 65 Table 3.32: Frequency of discussion about violence with children/wards by Age 69 Table 3.33: Self-assessment of how respondent feels in talking to children about violence and defilement 69 Table 3.34: Self-assessment of how adult respondent feels in talking to children about sexual abuse 70 Table 3.35: Self-assessment of participation in discussion about child protection issues and how children feel in discussing violence with their parents by age category 70 Table 3.36: Ability to talk to parent/guardian and frequency of discussion about violence against children by gender 71 Table 3.37: Child Respondents’ Self-assessment of their ability to communicate with adults about sexual abuse by gender 71 Table 3.38: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect physical violence in the home by region 73 Table 3.39: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect physical violence outside the home by region 74 Table 3.310: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect psychological violence at home 75 Table 3.311: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect psychological violence outside the home 76 Table 3.312: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect sexual violence at home 76 Table 3.313: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect psychological violence outside the home 77 Table 3.314: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when physical violence is witnessed or suspected in the home 78 Table 3.315: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect physical violence outside the home 78 Table 3.316: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect psychological violence in the home 79

6 STUDY REPORT Table 3.317: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect psychological violence outside the home 80 Table 3.318: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect sexual violence in the home 80 Table 3.319: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect sexual violence outside the home 81 Table 6.11: Adult Respondents’ view of spouse/partners’ perception of Violence against Children by Type of EA 90 Table 6.12: Adult Respondents’ view of spouse/partners’ perception of Violence against Children by gender 90 Table 6.13: Adult Respondents’ view of spouse/partners’ perception of Violence against Children by region 90 Table 6.14: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among friends of adult respondents by type of EA 91 Table 6.15: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among friends of adult respondents by region 91 Table 6.16: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among friends of adult respondents by gender 91 Table 6.17: Adult Respondents’ view of the Community’s pperception of violence against children by type of EA 91 Table 6.18: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among community members by gender 92 Table 6.19: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among community members by region 92 Table 6.110: Adult Respondents’ self assessment of own ability to reduce violence against children by EA 92 Table 6.111: Adult Respondents’ self assessment of own ability to reduce violence against children by region 93 Table 6.112: Child Respondents’ perception of disapproval of violence against children among parents/guardian and friends by region 93 Table 6.113: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by type of EA 94 Table 6.114: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by gender 94

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 7 List of Figures

Figure 3.21: Adult Respondents’ disapproval of violence against children even if people around them approve 31 Figure 3.22: Individual Child Respondent’s beliefs and attitude towards corporal punishment 32 Figure 3.23: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by region 33 Figure 3.24: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by Type of EA 34 Figure 3.25: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by region 35 Figure 3.26: Child Respondents view on the community’s beliefs and attitude towards corporal punishment 36 Figure 3.27: Adult Respondents view on the community’s beliefs and attitude towards corporal punishment 36 Figure 3.28: Community’s belief and attitude towards corporal punishment by gender and type of EA (child respondent) 37 Figure 3.29: Community’s belief and attitude towards corporal punishment by gender and type of EA (Adult respondent) 38 Figure 3.210: Community’s belief and attitude towards corporal punishment by region among child respondent 39 Figure 3.211: Community’s belief and attitude towards discontinuing corporal punishment by region among adult respondents 40 Figure 3.212: Respondents Perception of the Safety of the School Environment 41 Figure 3.213: Respondents’ perception of the Safety of the School Environment by type of EA 42 Figure 3.214: Respondents’ Perception of the Safety of the School Environment by Gender 42 Figure 3.215: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by type of respondent 45 Figure 3.216: Individual Child Respondent’s beliefs and attitude towards child marriage 47 Figure 3.217: Individual Adult Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage 48 Figure 3.218: Individual Child Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA 48 Figure 3.219: Individual adult’s beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA 49 Figure 3.220: Individual Child Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region 50 Figure 3.221: Individual Adult Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region 50 Figure 3.222: Child Respondents’ Views on Communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage(A) 51 Figure 3.223: Child respondents’ views on communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage (B) 51 Figure 3.224: Adult Respondents’ View on Communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage 52 Figure 3.225: Adult Respondents’ views on communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA 53 Figure 3.226: Child respondents’ views on communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA 53 Figure 3.227: Adult Respondents’ Views on Communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region 54 Figure 3.228: Community’s beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region 55 Figure 3.229: Individual Adult Respondent’s beliefs and attitude on family-based care 55 Figure 3.230: Individual Adult Respondents’ beliefs and attitude on family-based care by type of EA 56 Figure 3.231: Individual’s Adult Respondent’s Belief and Attitude on Family-based Care by Region 57 Figure 3.232: Composite Value of Child Respondent Beliefs and Attitude towards Family Based Care 58 Figure 3.233: Individual Child Respondent’s belief and attitude on family-based care 58

8 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.234: Individual’s belief and attitude on family-based care by type of EA 59 Figure 3.235: Individual’s belief and attitude on family-based care by region 60 Figure 3.236: Community’s beliefs and attitude on family-based care among adult respondents 61 Figure 3.237: Community’s beliefs and attitude on family-based care among adults by type of EA 61 Figure 3.238: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care among adults by region 62 Figure 3.239: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care by child respondent 63 Figure 3.240: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care among children by type of EA 63 Figure 3.241: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care among children by region 64 Figure 3.31: Self-assessment of how adult respondents feel about talking to children on violence, defilement and sexual abuse by type of EA 66 Figure 3.32: Self-assessment of how children feel in talking to adults about issues around violence against children by type of EA 66 Figure 3.33: Adult respondents’ perception of how comfortable their own children feel in discussing issues around violence against children 67 Figure 3.34: Frequency of discussion on violence against children with on children/wards among adult respondents 67 Figure 3.35: Perception of adult respondents of how children feel about discussing violence against children with adults and adult participation in informal discussions by EA type 68 Figure 3.36: Frequency of discussion about violence with children/wards by type of EA 68 Figure 3.37: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when violence against children is witnessed or suspected 72 Figure 3.38 Action that will be taken by child respondents towards violence against children 73

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 9 10 STUDY REPORT Accra, Ghana June 2018

A key component of the child protection system in Ghana is behaviour and social change. The implementation of this component is guided by a communication strategy which articulates strategies and approaches that seek to promote positive behaviour and social change. The communication strategy lends itself to existing positive community structures to initiate and sustain dynamic dialogue towards change and improvement of Ghanaian’s beliefs and practices for the welfare of children, families and communities. Although some key indicators for measuring change in this strategy are been captured adequately in several routine surveys including Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the Child Protection Baseline, a few other indicators in the communication strategy are still missing baseline data. Many of these indicators relate particularly to social norms which were originally not part of the communication strategy but have since been revised to include this important approach with the growing recognition of how social norms drive behaviour change in society.

The purpose of the rapid assessment therefore is to incorporate components of selected behaviour and social norms indicators originally not included in the Child Protection baseline conducted in 20141. The information collected on the indicators will form the basis for measuring change in subsequent studies and after implementation of the social drive and other behaviour change activities.

The rapid assessment report documents beliefs, practices and attitudes, related to child protection behaviour and social norms that is sufficiently disaggregated to give an understanding of child protection as it applies to and affects the circumstances of boys and girls of different ages in different regional contexts.

The assessment and report has been prepared by the Research and Development Division of the Ghana Health Service. The principal researcher for this study is Dr. Ivy Frances Osei. The remaining team members include, Sybil Sory, Jane Amponsah, Dr. Edith Koryo Wellington and Dr. Abraham Hodgson.

The contents of the report do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of UNICEF.

For further information, please contact: United Nations Children’s Fund Ghana Country Office 4-8th Rangoon Close, Cantonments P. O. Box AN 5051 Accra, Ghana

1 Child Protection Baseline Research Report, 2014. Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 11 Acknowledgements

The rapid assessment and report is a result of the contributions from a large number of people (2100) in about 300 enumeration areas across 68 districts in the 10 regions of Ghana. To every one of them; both adults and children, we are most grateful for the time made to provide your responses to the research assistants who spoke to you.

We also wish to acknowledge the hard work of the twenty research assistants who travelled length and breadth of the country collecting data and providing further insights into these data sets. Thank you for the time and commitment to the process.

Finally, special thanks to the Head and staff of the Research and Development Division of the Ghana Health Service for the partnership with UNICEF to undertake this assessment. UNICEF Ghana is also highly appreciative of Dr. Ivy Frances Osei, the principal researcher for this study and the other staff including Dr. Abraham Hodgson, the Head of the Division. We are also grateful to Sybil Sory, Jane Amponsah and Dr. Edith Koryo Wellington for all the commitment to have this report completed.

The study was made possible through the generous funding support from the Government of Canada

12 STUDY REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA STUDY REPORT Executive Summary

In 2017 the Research and Development Division of the Ghana Health Service conducted a Rapid Assessment of beliefs, attitudes towards violence against children to inform the implementation of a behavior and social drive project aimed at improving childprotection activities in all the ten (10) regions of Ghana. The study was commissioned by the Child Protection Section of UNICEF Ghana.

Survey was conducted in all ten regions in Ghana. Data was collected using a cluster survey methodology. The EPI “30 x 7” cluster sampling method was adapted for use in this study. A household survey using a structured interview questionnaire for adults aged 18-65 (women and men) and children aged 14-17 (girls and boys). Two separate data collection tools were designed to elicit responses from the sampled respondents. In all, two thousand, one hundred (2100) individuals were interviewed consisting of 1200 adults and 900 children.

Key Findings

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS Adult Respondents: More than half of the adult respondents were females (75%), Christianity (76.7%) was the most prominent religion among this group. Majority of these respondents were aged 30 – 39 (31.2%), followed by those aged 40 – 49 (25.8%). More than a third (36.9%) had their highest level of education being at the middle school/Junior High School (JHS) level, also Akans made up close to half (41.6%) of the adult respondent population. Those who were married constituted two thirds (68.4%) of the respondents while more than a third (36.9%) either owned their own shops or were traders.

Child Respondents: The age range for this category of respondents was 14 -17 years, close to a third (30.0%) of those that were interviewed were 17-year olds. Majority (55.4%) of the respondents were females and the main religion for 78.3% of them is Christianity. The highest level of education attained was the middle school/ Junior High School level (62.9%), and Akans constituted close to half (42.1%) of the entire child population in this study. Ninety nine percent (99.7%) were single, and 0.2% married. With respect to their occupation, 89.2% were students.

BELIEF AND ATTITUDES ABOUT CHILD PROTECTION ISSUES Disapproval of violence against children in general: Adult respondents shared their views of whether or not their spouses/partners, friends and other people in communities they live in disapprove of physical and psychological violence against children. According to 84.7% of the respondents, their spouses/partners disapproves of physical violence against children, it is worth noting that only the respondents who were married or co-habiting were asked to share their views of their spouses/partners disapproval of violence. Similarly, two out of three adult respondents expressed their spouses/partners’ (88.9%), friends (74.8%) and community’s (64.8%) disapproval of psychological violence against children.

Corporal Punishment: The results of the study revealed that there is general agreement of the discontinuation of corporal punishment among child respondents. Eighty six percent (86.9%) of them totally agreed to the discontinuation of corporal punishment. Furthermore, majority of the respondents agreed that the different components that make up corporal punishment should be discontinued, namely: burning or scarring the child (99.9%), throwing a child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling their hair (98.9%), forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified positions (97.4%) and hitting the child with any object (88.0%).

14 STUDY REPORT The child’s perception on community beliefs and attitude towards the discontinuation of corporal punishment was also sought. The results show that about seventy (70.7%) and twenty (20%) percent of child respondents totally agreed or agreed respectively that people in their communities support discontinuation of corporal punishment.

Safety in the school environment: Respondents were asked to agree or disagree with the assertions that children are safe and protected in school against: verbal abuse, bullies, sexual abuse and physical punishment. About a third of both adult (30.6%) and child respondents (33.1%) felt that the school is safe and protected against the above stated parameters.

Positive Child Discipline: Respondents were asked to indicate their agreement or disagreement with two main statements: most people in my community believe a) when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did wrong and show the child how to set things right and b) a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to the needs of the children. Generally, three out of four of both child and adult respondents agreed that most people in the communities believe in positive child discipline.

More than eighty percent (82.3%) and (83.3%) of adult respondents agreed most people in their community believe “when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did wrong and show the child how to set things right” and “a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to the needs of the children respectively.

About eighty percent (80.9%) of child respondents stated that most people in their communities believe that a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to their children. In addition, 83.4% opined that most people in their community believe “when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did wrong and show the child how to set things right”.

Child Marriage: Almost all the child respondents opined that marriage/co-habiting of boys (96.6%) and girls (95.4%) under the age of 18 years was unacceptable. Majority of the respondents also agreed that child marriage should be discontinued in all circumstances (91.3%) and girl education should be supported (99.1%). Similarly, most adult respondents opined that child marriage of boys (94.8%) and girls (91.6%) was unacceptable.

Respondents also gave their opinion on how most people in their communities perceived child marriage. The respondents indicated that most people in their community were not in support of child marriage (88.6%) and co-habiting of children aged below 18 years (88.6%).

Family Based Care: Respondents were asked the degree to which they agreed or disagreed to these statements: every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them, every child needs a loving family, support of customary foster care and adoption of children. Almost all adult respondents agreed that every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them (99.3%) and also every child needs a loving family (99.2%). Most respondents expressed their support of customary foster care (73.1%) and adoption of children (66.8%).

Majority of child respondents also expressed their support of customary foster care (72.8%) and adoption of children (68.6%).

Community beliefs and attitude towards family-based care was sought. Almost all the adult respondents opined that most people in their community believed every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them (96.6%) and every child needs a loving family (96.6%).

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 15 PRACTICES RELATED TO CHILD PROTECTION Practices related to child protection assessed how respondents communicated with adults or children on issues related to violence against children and also actions they will take when they suspected, witnessed or experienced violence against a child both at home and outside the home.

Results showed that majority (80.3%) of adult respondents disagreed with the statement about feeling uncomfortable talking to children about violence against children. However, as many as 72% felt uncomfortable asking children about defilement as well as sexual abuse. More than a third (37.3%) agreed with the statement that children feel uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence against children with them.

Assessment of practices related to child protection among child respondents was done using the following: their ability to talk to their parents/guardians about violence against children, if they are able to talk to adults at home and outside home about sexual abuse as well as talking about violence against children to adults at school. More (44.4%) boys than girls (41.3%) felt they have the ability to talk to parents or guardians about violence against children. Majority of the respondents who feel uncomfortable talking to adults at home (61.9%) and outside home (66.3%) about sexual abuse were boys. More girls (47.9%) than boys (42.4%) feel uncomfortable talking about violence against children to adults at school.

Both adult and child respondents responded to a question on what action they will take in the event that they experienced, witnessed or suspected physical, psychological or sexual violence both at home and outside the home. Generally, a greater number of respondents indicated that they will talk to the perpetrator when they experience, witness or suspect physical and psychological violence at home and outside home. However, tell parent/guardian (54.7%) and report to DOVVSU/police (49.0%) are the actions that child respondents will take when they experience, witness or suspect sexual abuse at home and outside home. For adult respondents, 75.3% and 64.1% said they will report to DOVVSU or the police when they witness or suspect sexual abuse at home and outside home respectively.

CONCLUSION Disapproval of violence against children cuts across gender and place of residence, however, few respondents generally considered hitting the child with any object such as cane, hand, belt, whip, and shoe as a form of corporal punishment compared to throwing, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling the hair of the child, making the child stay in uncomfortable positions or making him/her undertake excessive physical exercise and burning or scarring the child. Majority of the respondents felt that children are safe and protected against verbal abuse, bullies and sexual abuse in the school environment but not against physical punishment.

On positive child discipline, it was observed from the results that most of the individual respondents and communities believe in positively disciplining their child (ren)/ward(s) specifically relating to the questions that was posed to them. Also child marriage and co-habiting is frowned upon by majority of the respondents and even communities. Most people are in agreement with the fact that children especially girls need to be supported to stay in school and grow to their full potential until they are older and matured enough to be married.

The results of the study revealed that most people are in support of customary foster care than the adoption of children. It was observed that more of the children that were interviewed support adoption compared to the adults. Also a few regions mainly in the southern and middle belt of Ghana had respondents who were in support of the adoption of children. It is worth noting that majority of the child respondents disagreed with the statement that children should not live in children’s home or orphanages, whilst, the adult respondents mostly agreed with the statement irrespectively of whether they are rural or urban dwellers. In addition, communities were noted not to also be in support of children living in children’s home or orphanages, however, a greater number of such communities were perceived to support the adoption of children.

The section on the practice of child protection related behavior was assessed by asking both adults and children how comfortable they feel discussing/talking about issues related to violence against children and defilement/sexual abuse. It was observed that generally adults feel uncomfortable asking children about

16 STUDY REPORT defilement and sexual abuse. This is more prominent among adults living in rural areas and younger adult i.e. those between ages 18 – 35 years. Again the adults asserted that children feel uncomfortable discussing issues around violence against children with them. Very few adults often discuss issues related to violence against children with their own children or wards. There were a few child respondents who said they had never discussed violence against children with their parents or guardians, majority of which were girls.

For both adult and child respondents the main action they will take when they witness, suspect or experience physical violence (at home and outside) and psychological violence (at home and outside) is to talk to the perpetrators of the act. Very few mentioned that they will report to a social welfare official. However, according to the adults when they witness or suspect sexual abuse both at home and outside the home they will report to DOVVSU/police, but for child respondents, when they experience or witness, the sexual abuse at home and outside they will talk to the perpetrator before reporting to DOVVSU/police.

RECOMMENDATIONS Practices related to child protection 1. Religious bodies, leaders and opinion leaders should increase awareness on the negative effects of violence against children especially child defilement and sexual abuse within every community in order to challenge the normalization of violence.

2. National action plans should be implemented in order to meet the global goals on Sustainable Development on retaining the focus on protecting children from violence, abuse and exploitation

3. Parents and caregivers should be provided with parenting guidance on how to address issues relating to child violence and sexual abuse, whereas teachers should be given more training and orientation on how to ask children questions relating to child defilement and sexual abuse.

4. The Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ghana Education Service (GES) in conjunction with all school personnel (especially teachers) should make every effort to avoid using physical punishment and rely on nonviolent disciplinary methods to make the school a safe and protected environment.

5. Children especially girls should be counselled more on the need to voice out issues on child violence and sexual abuse to their parents/guardians and adults both at home and outside the home.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 17 18 STUDY REPORT INTRODUCTION

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 1. Introduction

A key component of the child protection system in Ghana is behavior and social change. In this regard, a communication strategy for the protection of children has been developed which articulates strategies and approaches that seek to promote positive behavior and social change. The communication strategy lends itself to existing positive community structures to initiate and sustain dynamic dialogue towards change and improvement of beliefs and practices for the welfare of children, families and communities in Ghana.

Although some key indicators for measuring change in this strategy have been captured adequately in several routine surveys including Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the Child Protection Baseline research report, a few other indicators in the communication strategy are still missing baseline data. Many of these indicators relate particularly to social norms which were originally not part of the communication strategy but have since been revised to include this important approach with the growing recognition of how social norms drive behavior change in society.

Consequently, a rapid assessment was commissioned by the Child Protection Section of UNICEF Ghana in order to incorporate components of the indicators originally not included in the Child Protection baseline conducted in 2014. The indicators covered aspects related to behavior and social norms. The information collected on the indicators will form the basis for measuring change in subsequent studies and after implementation of the social drive and other behavior change activities. This document outlines the results of the rapid assessment conducted to document additional baseline indicators which were not documented in the 2014 Child Protection Survey.

1.1 OBJECTIVES The aim of this rapid assessment is to document Specifically, the study sought to: beliefs, practices and attitudes, related to child protection behavior and social norms that is 1. Ascertain the belief about child protection sufficiently disaggregated to give an understanding issues of child protection as it applies to and affects the 2. Describe the attitudes towards child circumstances of boys and girls of different ages in protection behavior different regional contexts. 3. Describe the practices related to child protection issues

20 STUDY REPORT METHODOLOGY

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA STUDY REPORT 2. Methodology

Survey data was collected using a cluster survey methodology. The EPI “30 x 7” cluster sampling method was adapted for use in this study. A household survey using a structured interview questionnaire for adults aged 18-65 (women and men) and children aged 14-17 (girls and boys). Two separate data collection tools were designed to elicit responses from the sampled respondents.

The sample is designed to provide estimates for selected number of indicators on the situation of child protection at the national level, for urban and rural areas across all 10 regions. The urban and rural areas within each region were the main sampling strata and the sample was selected in two stages. Within each stratum, a specified number of census enumeration areas were selected systematically.

2.1 STUDY SITES There are in total 37,675 EAs; among them 16,503 are in urban areas, and 21,172 are in rural areas. The The survey was carried out in all ten regions average EA size is 145 households; the urban EAs of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling was used to have a slightly larger size, with an average of 185 randomly select urban and rural enumeration areas households per EA; the rural EAs have a relatively (EAs) in each region. smaller size with an average of 114 households per EA. The EA size is adequate for being primary 2.2 SAMPLING FRAME FOR sampling unit (PSU) with a sample take of 300 EAs. SECTION OF ENUMERATION AREAS (EAS) 2. 3 ALLOCATION OF EAS The sampling frame used for this survey was The Survey EAs were selected in two stages from constructed from the Population and Housing the sampling frame. Stratification was achieved by Census (PHC) which was conducted in Ghana in separating each region into urban and rural areas; the year 2010 and provided by the Ghana Statistical in total, 20 sampling strata were created. Samples Service (GSS). Information on the 216 administrative selected independently in each sampling stratum, districts was defined out of which 68 districts were by a one-stage selection. Three hundred (300) randomly selected. The updated Census Frame is EAs were selected with equal probability to size a complete list of all census enumeration areas (EA) (PPS) selection procedure according to the sample created for the PHC 2010. Ghana is administratively allocation given in Table 1 below. The EA size is the divided into ten geographical regions and each number of residential households residing in the region is sub-divided into a number of districts. In EA censured in the 2010 PHC. Stratification with total there are 216 districts in Ghana. The spread of proportional allocation was achieved at each of the population is uneven across the ten regions of the lower administrative unit levels by sorting the the country, with the distribution between 2.8% for EA frame before the sample selection according the Upper West region to 19.4% for Ashanti region. to each of the stratum, and by using an equal The urbanization of the regions varies with the probability proportional to size selection procedure. Greater Accra region having 90.5% urban whereas Table 1 below gives the sample allocation of EAs by in the Upper West region the urban area represents region and type of residence. Sample allocated is only 16.3%. In Ghana, 50.9% of the population lives then allocated to the 10 regions. in urban areas.

22 STUDY REPORT Table 2.31: Allocation of EAs by region and by type of residence

Allocation of EAs Region Name Urban Rural Region Western 13 17 30 Central 14 16 30 Greater Accra 27 3 30 Volta 10 20 30 Eastern 13 17 30 Ashanti 18 12 30 Brong Ahafo 13 17 30 Northern 9 21 30 Upper East 6 24 30 Upper West 5 25 30 Total 129 171 300

2.4 SELECTION OF 2.5 SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES, HOUSES AND RESPONDENTS HOUSEHOLDS In each enumeration area, 7 respondents (4 adults The EPI “30 x 7” cluster sampling method was and 3 children) was interviewed. Households adapted for use in this study. Thus 30 clusters (EAs) were randomly selected. The research assistants from each region were selected with the assistance alternated the targeted respondent in the of the Ghana Statistical Service as described in households. Thus, in the first selected household if section 2.3 above. In each cluster 7 respondents (4 an adult respondent is selected, a child respondent adults and 3 children) was selected randomly, one was targeted in the next household. The child from a household and interviewed. This gave a questionnaire was administered only to children total of 210 households interviewed for each region who were aged 14-17 years. To avoid any possible and 2100 households for the entire study. The ratio reprimand against a child, child and adult interviews of adult to child respondent was 4:3 thus a total of were not conducted with individuals from within the 1200 adult and 900 children were interviewed. same household.

The Ghana Statistical Service also generated Individual respondents were selected by applying EA maps which were used to identify each EA’s a screening questionnaire to identify eligible demarcation. With the selected EAs, the modified respondents within households. If more than random walk method was used to select the one eligible respondent is available in a selected households for the study. The random walk method household, one individual respondent was randomly was done by locating the central part of every selected. The adult questionnaire was administered community visited, the field supervisor then spun only to individuals who are between 18-65 years old a pen to choose the starting direction. The houses living in households with children under18 years. The were then numbered, and a random number adults should have experience of caring for children selected, the household bearing that number was even if they are not biological parents. then used as the starting point. The children were selected at the household. First To avoid redundancy and improve the distribution the research assistant (RA) on entering the house of the sample and to reduce design defects, the asked for the household head or any responsible sample was restricted to one eligible respondent adult if the head is not available. The RA then per household, in essence making the household introduces him/herself and the study to household the sample unit. For the purpose of this study a head/adult and establishes the availability of an household is defined as a group of people who live eligible respondent in the household. and eat together. The age range of respondents was 18 – 65 years for adults (women and men) and children (girls and boys) 14-17 years.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 23 For child respondent, consent was sought from the The study investigators and field supervisors were adult carer/guardian for the interviewer to interview fully responsible for supervising all the teams on the child alone. In addition, assent to participate a continuous basis. The study investigators paid in the study was requested from the child as well. unannounced supervisory visits to ensure that the Once permission is given, the interviewer requests interviewers were following defined protocols and for a place away from the adults (but not too far off) guidelines. As part of the day to day supervision of to afford some level of privacy and conduct the the field work, field supervisors checked completion interview with the child of forms as well as liaising with the principal investigator to ensure smooth data collection, in 2. 6 DATA COLLECTION addition, the research team held debriefing sessions PROCEDURE at the end of each day to update each other on the progress of work. A concurrent data collection approach was adopted, thus, three fieldwork teams (four persons per team) 2. 7 DATA MANAGEMENT AND were formed and worked over a period of about 4 ANALYSIS weeks. A total of three teams was formed, this was made up of three interviewers and one supervisor. Data was doubly entered, cleaned and consistency checks performed using EPI info and analysed in All the team members participated in a five-day STATA. Various relationships between variables training prior to the data collection. The training are presented graphically and critically analysed to involved both demonstration interviews and field ensure clarity and accuracy. Basic cross-tabulation practice to help trainees develop confidence with and appropriate statistical tests have been done to the data collection instruments. establish relationships between variables, trends and groups Face-to-face, private interviews were held with the study target population in each study site. The field 2.8 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS teams began their work by first listing the members of each household in the selected housing Ethical approval for the study was obtained from structure. All eligible adults (both male and females the Ethical Review Committee of the Ghana Health aged 18 - 65 years) were asked for their informed Service. Consent was obtained from participating consent to participate, and those who agreed were individuals. Participation was completely voluntary. interviewed. For the children (girls and boys aged 14 Those who consented signed or thumb-printed -17 years) their assent was sought as well as parental a consent form to indicate their willingness to consent for participation in the study. participate in the study.

The study coordinator participated in the initial For child respondent, consent was sought from data collection in order to closely monitor the the adult care giver/guardian for the interviewer initial fieldwork and assist in harmonizing the to interview the child alone. In addition, assent to data collection. Subsequent supervision of field participate in the study was requested from the child work was done by field supervisors and by daily as well. telephone calls to the supervisors/interviewers by the study coordinator to discuss and solve emerging issues and challenges.

24 STUDY REPORT FINDINGS

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 3. Findings

3.1 SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents are presented in Table 3-1 below. In all, two thousand and one hundred (2100) respondents were interviewed of which adults made up 1200 and the number of child respondents were 900.

Adult Respondents A total of 1200 respondents aged 18-65 were interviewed for the study comprising of 300 (25.0%) males and 900 (75.0%) females. Adult respondents who were salaried workers formed 7.3% (165), 6.8% (81) were students, housewives, pensioner/retired and unemployed, only 0.2% (2) were reverend ministers and the remaining proportion 79.8 % (957) were traders/shop owners, farmer/ fishermen and artisans.

Majority of the respondents were Christians (76.7%, 920), followed by Muslims (19.7%, 236), traditionalists were 2.0% (24), whiles 1.7% (20) had no religion. A little more than half (57%, 684) of the adult respondents interviewed were aged between 30-49 years, 25% (299) were 18-29 years while 6.3% (76) were aged between 60 and 65 years.

Majority of adult respondents (53.2%, 639) had middle/junior high education level. Twenty two percent (22.3%, 268) of adult respondents had no formal education, sixteen percent (16.3%, 196) had primary education and twenty four percent (16.3%, 196) have had secondary, vocational (2.3%, 28) and tertiary education (5.8%, 69).

Most of the adult respondents were Akans (41.6%, 499), followed by Mole-Dagbanis (26.8%, 322), Ewes (13.2%, 158), 6.4% (77) were Ga/Adangbes, 3.7% (44) were Guans, 3.6% (43) were Grussis, 3.0% (36) were Grumas and 1.8% (21) were Non-Ghanaians and Hausas.

More than half (68.4%, 821) of the adult respondents were married, 11.2% (134) were single, 6.4% (77) were widowed, 7.3% (88) were divorced/separated and 6.7% (80) were cohabiting.

Child Respondents Majority of the child respondents also had middle/ junior high school level education 62.9% (566). A total of 900 respondents aged 14-17 years were Almost twenty two percent (21.9%, 197) had interviewed for the study comprising of 401 (44.7%) primary education, and 14.2% (128) had secondary males and 499 (55.4%) females; with students being education. Only 0.9% (8) of child respondents had the majority (89.2%, 803), followed by those who no formal education. were unemployed (6.8%, 61). The rest were traders/ shop owners (0.9%, 8), unskilled laborers being Most of the respondents were Akans (42.1%, 379), 0.6% (5) and only 0.1% (1) was a farmer/fisherman. followed by Mole-Dagbanis (27.0%, 243), Ewes (14.3%, 129), 5.2% (47) were Ga/Adangbes, Gruma Majority of the respondents were Christians (77.4%, (4.0%, 36), 3.0% (27) were Grussi, 2.4% (22) were 1625), followed by Muslims (19.5%, 410), and Guan, and 1.0% (38) were Non-Ghanaians, Hausas traditionalists (1.5%, 31). Majority of those interviewed and other ethnic groups. were aged 17 years (30.0%, 270), children aged 16 years were 25.6% (230), and followed by those Most of the child respondents were single (99.7%, aged 15 years (22.9%, 206) and finally those aged 897) and only 0.3% (3) were married or cohabiting. 14 years (21.6%, 194).

26 STUDY REPORT Table 3.11: Background characteristics of respondents

Demographic Adult respondents Child respondents characteristics N=1200 % N=900 % Sex of respondents Male 300 25.0 401 44.7 Female 900 75.0 499 55.4 Religion Christianity 920 76.7 705 78.3 Muslim 236 19.7 174 19.3 Traditional 24 2.0 7 1.0 No religion 20 1.7 14 1.7 Age of respondent 14 - - 194 21.6 15 - - 206 22.9 16 - - 230 25.6 17 - - 270 30.0 >20 20 1.7 - - 20 – 29 279 23.3 - - 30 – 39 374 31.2 - - 40 – 49 310 25.8 - - 50 – 59 141 11.8 - - <60 76 6.3 - - Highest level of education Middle/JHS 443 36.9 566 62.9 None 268 22.3 8 0.9 Primary 196 16.3 197 21.9 Secondary/SHS 196 16.3 128 14.2 Tertiary 69 5.8 1 0.1 Vocational/Technical 28 2.3 - - Ethnicity Akan 499 41.6 379 42.1 Mole-Dagbani 322 26.8 243 27.0 Ewe 158 13.2 129 14.3 Ga/Adangbe 77 6.4 47 5.2 Guan 44 3.7 22 2.4 Grussi 43 3.6 27 3.0 Gruma 36 3.0 36 4.0 Background characteristics of respondents Non-Ghanaian 19 1.6 8 0.9 Hausa 2 0.2 8 0.9 Other - - 1 0.1

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 27 Marital status Married 821 68.4 2 0.2 Single 134 11.2 897 99.7 Widowed 77 6.4 - - Divorced/Separated 88 7.3 - - Cohabiting 80 6.7 1 0.1 Occupation Trader/Shop owner 443 36.9 8 0.9 Farmer/Fisherman 349 29.1 1 0.11 Student 13 1.1 803 89.2 Unemployed 68 5.7 61 6.8 Unskilled laborer 43 3.6 5 0.6 Housewife 23 1.9 - - Salaried worker 87 7.3 - - Artisan 165 13.8 - - Pensioner/retired 7 1.0 - - Reverend minister 2 0.2 - -

3.2 BELIEF AND ATTITUDES Family-based care is defined as a loving, caring, ABOUT CHILD PROTECTION nurturing family as the best place for all children ISSUES regardless of vulnerabilities or relationship to the caregiver - so would include children in kinship care Beliefs and attitudes were examined under the arrangements, foster care, adoption following broad themes; violence against children in general, corporal punishment, safety of the school The concept “family” has a broader meaning than environment; positive discipline; child marriage and care of children by biological parents (i.e. nuclear family-based care. family). It also includes extended family (kinship care), foster families or even adoptive families. In this study violence against children is defined as “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury and abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment 3.2.1 DISAPPROVAL OF VIOLENCE or exploitation, including sexual abuse” Article 19 of AGAINST CHILDREN IN the Convention on the Rights of the Child (2006). GENERAL Respondents shared their views on how people Corporal or physical punishment included in their communities related to violence against hitting the child with the hand or with an object children. They were asked to indicate their agreement (such as a cane, belt, whip, shoe, etc); kicking, with a statement about how their spouses/partners, shaking, or throwing the child, pinching or pulling friends and other people felt about violence against their hair; forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or children: two forms of violence were considered in undignified positions, or to take excessive physical this assessment namely physical and psychological exercise; and burning or scarring the child. violence. Only the respondents who were married or co-habiting (75.0%, 901/1200) were asked to Positive Discipline is considered as non-violent; share their spouses/partners’ views. solution-focused; respectful; based on child development principles.

28 STUDY REPORT From the perspective of the adult-respondents disapproves of physical violence against child, majority of all the 3 groups of persons in their more than half of adult respondents also opined that communities disapproved of violence against their community (65.1%) disapproves of physical children as depicted in Table 3.2-1 below. More violence against children. than eighty percent of married adult respondents said their spouse/partners disapproved of both Similarly, two out of three of adult respondents physical and psychological violence against expressed their spouse/partners’ (88.9%), friends children. As shown in Table 3.2-1 below, while more (74.8%) and community’s (64.8%) disapproval of than two thirds of adult respondents opined that psychological violence against children. their spouse/partners (84.7%) and friends (71.9%)

Table 3.21: Adult Respondents’ Disapproval of Violence against Children

Disapproval of Physical Violence Disapproval of Psychological Violence

Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % Spouse/Partner 84.7 4.7 10.5 0.1 88.9 3.7 7.2 0.2 Friends 71.9 10.9 9.3 7.9 74.8 10.3 6.6 8.3 Community 65.1 13.8 12.4 8.8 64.8 14.2 11.8 9.3

As presented in Table 3.22 (see Appendix 6.1.1), Similarly, adult respondents indicated that an assessment of spousal disapproval of violence their friends disapproved of both physical and against children by type of enumeration area psychological violence. As shown in Table 3.25 showed that majority of adult respondents living in (see Appendix 6.1.1), more adult respondents living both rural and urban communities agreed that their in urban communities said their friends disapproved spouses or partners disapproved of physical and of physical violence (74.4%). It is worth noting that psychological violence against children. about a quarter of adults were unsure, neutral, disagreed with the statement that their friends Table 3.23 (see Appendix 6.1.1) shows results of disapproved of physical or psychological violence. an assessment of spousal disapproval of physical and psychological violence by gender. Majority of As indicated in Table 3.26 in Appendix 6.1.1 most females (85.0%) and males (84.0%) agreed with the of both male and female adult respondents were of statement that their spouses disapprove of physical the view that their friends disapproved of physical violence. More than ten percent (10.7%) of females and psychological violence against children. disagreed with the statement that their spouses/ It is important to note that about a third of the partners disapprove physical violence. Ninety respondents were indifferent, disagreed or unsure percent (90.3%) of females again agreed with the of how their friends felt about both physical and statement that their spouse/partners disapprove psychological violence against children. of psychological violence, more males (8.6%) than females (6.6%) disagreed with the statement. There Similarly, majority of adult respondents across all was however no significant difference. ten regions were of the opinion that their friends disapproved of both physical and psychological Again spousal disapproval of physical and violence against children. Approximately eighty psychological violence was analyzed by the regions percent (80%) in Brong Ahafo (82.5%) and Northern the respondents live in. majority of those living in the (80.0%) stated their friends were against physical Northern (91.6%), Brong Ahafo (90.8%) and Upper violence against children. Also, 85, 84.2 and 82.5 percent disapproved of psychological violence in West (90.7%) regions agreed that their spouses the Upper East, Brong Ahafo and Northern regions disapprove of physical violence. Close to a respectively. Western region recorded the highest quarter (18.8%) of respondents from the Western proportion of respondents who were unsure of region disagreed that their spouses disapprove their friends’ views on both physical (20.0%) and of psychological violence (Table 3.24 - see psychological (22.5%) violence against children Appendix 6.1.1). (Table 3.27 – see Appendix 6.1.1).

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 29 Also, adult respondents were of the view that adult respondents believed they as individuals have generally majority of people in their communities the ability to do something about reducing physical disapproved of physical and psychological (78.0%) and psychological (76.5 %,) violence. There violence. As presented in Table 3.28 (see Appendix were marginal differences between views from 6.1.1), 65.7% of adult respondents who resided in respondents living in rural and urban communities. the urban areas agreed that majority of people in their communities disapproved of physical violence As indicated in Table 3.212 (see Appendix 6.1.1), against children. Sixty six percent (66.1%) of adult majority of both female and male respondents felt respondents who resided in the rural areas indicated they could do something about reducing physical that their community disapproved of psychological and psychological violence. About 80 percent of violence. males compared to about 75 percent of females said they as individuals had the ability to contribute As indicated in Table 3.29 (see Appendix 6.1.1) to the reduction of both physical and psychological majority of both female and male adult respondents violence against children. stated that most people in their communities disapproved of physical and psychological Table 3.213 (see Appendix 6.1.1) presents regional violence against children. However, it is worth analysis of adult respondents’ assessment of own noting that about a third of both female and male ability to contribute to the reduction of violence adult respondents took a neutral position, disagreed against children. Similar to the trend described or were unsure of their communities’ perception above, majority of respondents in all regions agreed on physical and psychological violence against that they can contribute towards the reduction of children. both physical and psychological violence against children. Upper West and Western regions recorded Generally, adult respondents in all ten regions relatively lower percentages - less than 70 percent agreed that most people in their communities in for both physical and psychological violence in disagreed with both physical and psychological both regions. violence against children. However, about a third and a quarter of respondents in Volta (32.5%) and Adult respondents were asked to indicate their Western (26.7%) regions respectively disagreed approval of this statement ‘I disapprove violence that most people in their communities disagreed against children even if people around me approve with physical violence against children. Also, in of it’. As shown in Figure 3.2-1 below, majority of Western (27.5%), Greater Accra (20.0%) and Volta the adult respondents in both urban (89%) and (18.3%) regions disagreed with the statement that rural (84.6%) communities indicated that they most people in their communities disapproved of disapproved of violence against children even if psychological violence (Table 3.210 – see Appendix people around them approved. However, it is worth 6.1.1). noting about eleven and eight percent of adults in rural and urban communities respectively were Table 3.211(see Appendix 6.1.1) shows responses neutral to the statement. from adult respondents to two separate questions on how they felt about their individual ability to contribute towards reduction in both physical and psychological violence. About three quarters of

30 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.21: Adult Respondents’ disapproval of violence against children even if people around them approve

According to majority of the child respondents both parents/guardians and friends disapprove of violence against children. When analyzed by the type of EA, the results showed that generally parents/guardians living in rural (89.8%) and urban (89.0%) EAs disapprove of violence against children. About two percent of respondents who live in both rural and urban EAs were not sure whether or not their friends disapprove of violence against children (Table 3.214).

Table 3.22: Child Respondents’ perception of disapproval of violence against children among parents/guardian and friends by type of EA

Parents/Guardian disapprove Friends disapprove

Type of EA Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % Rural 89.8 3.1 6.1 1.0 86.9 5.1 5.1 2.9 Urban 89.0 3.3 5.9 1.8 86.7 6.9 4.1 2.3 Total 89.4 3.2 6.0 1.3 86.8 5.9 4.7 2.7

Similarly, a greater number (91.0% and 87.8%) of the males asserted that their parents/guardians and friends disapprove of violence against children. More females (6.8%) than males (5.0%) disagreed with the statement that their parents/guardians disapprove of violence against children (Table 3.215).

Table 3.23: Child Respondents’ perception of disapproval of violence against children among parents/guardian and friends by gender

Parents/Guardian disapprove Friends disapprove

Gender Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % Female 88.2 3.4 6.8 1.6 86.0 5.8 4.8 3.4 Male 91.0 3.0 5.0 1.0 87.8 6.0 4.5 1.8 Total 89.4 3.2 6.0 1.3 86.8 5.9 4.7 2.7

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 31 Table 3.216 (see Appendix 6.1.1) presents regional a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified analysis of child respondents views on their parents/ positions or to take excessive physical exercise guardians and friends disapproval of violence should be discontinued” and “burning or scarring against children. More than ninety percent of the the child should be discontinued”. respondents living in the following regions asserted to the statement that their parents/guardians Individual Child respondents’ beliefs and disapprove of violence against children: Ashanti, attitude towards corporal punishment Brong Ahafo, central, Upper West and Volta regions. About a tenth of respondents who live in the Western For the individual child respondents’ view, an (10.0%) and Upper East (11.1%) regions disagreed agreement with all four statements was categorized that their friend do not approve of violence against as ‘total agreement to discontinuation of corporal children. punishment, three out of four as agreement, two out of four as partial agreement and one out of four as 3.2.2 CORPORAL PUNISHMENT partial disagreement, and disagreement to all four statements as total disagreement The section describes child respondents’ own views as well as the perception of both adult and As shown in Figure 3.22, there was a general child respondents of their community’s view on agreement of the discontinuation of corporal corporal punishment. Respondents were asked the punishment. Approximately eighty seven percent degree to which they agreed or disagreed to these (86.9%) of child respondents agreed totally to the statements: “hitting a child with any object e.g. cane, discontinuation of corporal punishment. Only .one hand, belt, whip, shoe should be discontinued”, percent (1%) of child respondents disagreed to all “throwing a child, kicking, shaking, pinching or the statements on the discontinuation of corporal pulling their hair should be discontinued”, “forcing punishment.

Figure 3.22: Individual Child Respondent’s beliefs and attitude towards corporal punishment

Child respondents’ attitudes to each of the four statements examined are presented in Table 3.217 below. Almost all child respondents were uncomfortable with each of the four categories of punishment examined namely “burning or scarring the child” (99.9%), “throwing a child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling their hair” (98.9%), “forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified positions” (97.4%) and hitting the child with any object (88.0%). However, it is worth noting that about ten percent of the child respondents disagreed with discontinuation of hitting a child with any object.

32 STUDY REPORT Table 3.24: Individual Child respondents’ beliefs and attitudes towards corporal punishment

Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % %

Hitting the child with any object should be discontinued 88.0 4.6 7.4 0.0

Throwing the child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling 98.9 0.3 0.8 0.0 their hair should be discontinued

Forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified positions or to take excessive physical exercise should 97.4 0.4 2.1 0.0 be discontinued

Burning or scarring the child should be discontinued 99.9 0.0 0.1 0.0

A comparison of the different parameters of corporal punishment by region showed minimal differences. As shown in Figure 3.23, majority of the respondents agreed to the statements on the discontinuation of different forms of corporal punishment. The statement on the discontinuation of burning or scarring children had one hundred percent (100.0%) of respondents living in 9 out of the ten regions agreeing to it. Also, majority of respondents living in the Ashanti (92.3%), Brong Ahafo (95.6%), Greater Accra (91.1%), Upper East (92.2%) and Upper West (91.1%) regions agreed to the statement on the discontinuation of hitting the child with any object. However, Central (77.8%) and Volta (76.7%) regions had fewer number of respondents agreeing to the statement.

Figure 3.23: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by region

Table 3.218 shows that majority of male and female child respondents agreed that the various types of corporal punishment should be discontinued. There was little variation in the responses. Agreement to the statement on the discontinuation of hitting the child with any object was lower for both males (88.5%) and females (87.6%) compared to the rest of the parameters on corporal punishment.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 33 Table 3.25: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by gender

Discontinuing hitting the Discontinuing throwing, Discontinuing staying in Discontinuing child with any object kicking, shaking, uncomfortable positions burning or pinching the child scarring Gender Agree Neutral Disagree Agree Neutral Disagree Agree Neutral Disagree Agree Disagree

% % % % % % % % % % %

Female 87.6 4.0 8.4 99.0 0.2 0.8 97.4 0.6 2.0 99.8 0.2

Male 88.5 5.2 6.2 98.8 0.5 0.8 97.5 0.3 2.2 100.0 0.0

Total 88.0 4.6 7.4 98.9 0.3 0.8 97.4 0.4 2 .1 99.9 0.1

As shown in Figure 3.24, a comparison by type of EA showed that almost all child respondents living in both rural and urban areas agreed to the discontinuation of all four parameters of corporal punishment examined in this survey.

Figure 3.24: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by Type of EA

A comparison of individual child respondents’ attitude towards corporal punishment by region showed minimal differences among the regions with regards to all the statements. However, as shown in Figure 3.25 below, respondents in Central and Volta regions recorded the least proportion of respondents who support the discontinuation of hitting a child with any object.

34 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.25: Individual Child respondent’s attitude towards corporal punishments by region

Community Attitude towards corporal punishment Community attitude towards corporal punishment was assessed from the perspective of both adult and child respondents. Both groups of respondents were required to give their opinion on how they felt most people in their communities would relate to three statements concerning discontinuation of corporal punishment. These statements were ‘hitting a child with any object must be discontinued’; ‘throwing a child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling their hair should be discontinued’ and ‘forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified positions, or to take excessive physical exercise should be discontinued’. An agreement with all three statements was categorized as total agreement, two out of three as agreement, one out of three as disagreement, and disagreement to all three statements as total disagreement.

As indicated in Figure 3.26, about seventy percent (70.7%) and approximately twenty percent (18.8%) of child respondents totally agreed or agreed respectively that most people in their communities supported discontinuation of corporal punishment. Only a few child respondents (6.9%) felt most people in their communities disagreed with the three statements supporting the discontinuation of corporal punishment.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 35 Figure 3.26: Child Respondents view on the community’s beliefs and attitude towards corporal punishment

Similarly, approximately seven out of every ten adult respondents (66.4%) felt most people in their communities totally agreed and one out of five agreed to the statements supporting the discontinuation of corporal punishment. On the contrary, at least one out of ten adult respondents disagreed or totally disagreed (Figure 3.27).

Figure 3.27: Adult Respondents view on the community’s beliefs and attitude towards corporal punishment

This section looks at attitudes towards each individual statement. As shown in Table 3.219 below, majority of child respondents agreed that most people in their community believe “hitting the child with any object” (72.8%), “throwing a child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling their hair” (90.1%) and “forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified positions” (90.3%) should be discontinued.

The adult respondents expressed similar opinions. Majority of the adult category affirmed that most people in their communities would support the discontinuation of “hitting the child with any object” (68.8%), “throwing a child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling their hair” (91.3%, 1096), “forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified positions” (90.9%) and “burning or scarring the child” (96.3%).

It is worth noting that comparatively a lesser proportion of both the child (72.8%) and adult (68.8%) respondent groups disagreed with discontinuation of ‘hitting the child with any object’ compared to over 90.0% for each of the other two statements.

36 STUDY REPORT Table 3.26: Community’s belief and attitude towards discontinuing corporal punishment

Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % % Child Respondent (N=900) Hitting the child with any object should be discontinued 72.8 7.0 18.3 1.9 Throwing the child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling 90.3 2.6 5.3 1.8 their hair should be discontinued Forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified 9 0.1 2.3 5.2 2.3 positions or to take excessive physical exercise should be discontinued Adult Respondent (N=1200) Hitting the child with any object should be discontinued 68.8 14.2 13.8 3.3 Throwing the child, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling 91.3 2.9 2.8 3.0 their hair should be discontinued Forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified 90.9 3.2 2.3 3.7 positions or to take excessive physical exercise should be discontinued Burning or scarring the child should be discontinued 96.3 0.9 1.0 1.8

The views of the child respondents were sought on the community’s belief and attitude towards corporal punishment. A comparison of responses by type of enumeration area (EA) and gender is presented in Figure 3.28. There was no significant variation between type of EA and gender on the three parameters considered under corporal punishment. However, the proportions child respondents who agreed that the community perceives that ‘hitting a child with any object’ should be discontinued by both type of EA and gender were relatively lower compared to the other two parameters (Figure 3.28).

Figure 3.28: Community’s belief and attitude towards corporal punishment by gender and type of EA (child respondent)

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 37 Adult respondents’ views on community perception on discontinuing corporal punishment are presented in Figure 3.29. As was observed in Figure 3.28, no significant variation was seen across the various forms of corporal punishment by type of EA and gender. More adult respondents in rural EAs (97.6%) and males (97.7%) were of the opinion that majority of community members perceive that burning or scarring the child should be discontinued.

Figure 3.29: Community’s belief and attitude towards corporal punishment by gender and type of EA (Adult respondent)

Figure 3.210 below shows a comparison of the various parameters examined under corporal punishment by region. Child respondents gave their views on the community’s perception on discontinuing corporal punishment. Generally, results show that majority of child respondents in all ten regions agreed that most people in their communities believed all four parameters should be discontinued. However, lower proportions were observed the discontinuation of ‘hitting a child with any object’ compared to ‘throwing, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling the hair of the child’ and ‘forcing them into uncomfortable or undignified positions’. In the Volta Region for example, 41.1 percent of the respondents perceive that most people in their community believed hitting a child with any object should be discontinued compared to 90 and 85.6 percent who asserted that the community believes throwing, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling the child’s hair and forcing a child to stay in uncomfortable or undignified positions should be discontinued respectively.

38 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.210: Community’s belief and attitude towards corporal punishment by region among child respondent

A comparison of corporal punishment by region Majority of adult respondents (approximately showed minimal differences in the responses to the ninety percent and over) in all ten regions were of four statements examined. As shown in Figure 3.211, the opinion that most people in their communities more than half of adult respondents in each region believed that ‘throwing the child, kicking, shaking, perceived that most people in their community pinching or pulling their hair’, ‘forcing a child to stay believed that hitting a child with any object should in uncomfortable or undignified positions, or to be discontinued. Approximately eighty percent take excessive physical exercise’ and “burning or in Upper West (82.5%), Brong Ahafo (79.2%) and scarring the child” should be discontinued. Upper East regions (77.5%) agreed to the statement. Volta region however recorded the least percentage of adult respondents who agreed to this statement (50.8%).

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 39 Figure 3.211: Community’s belief and attitude towards discontinuing corporal punishment by region among adult respondents

40 STUDY REPORT 3.2.3 SAFETY IN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT Respondents’ perception about safety and protection in a school environment was assessed. Respondents were required to indicate the condition that best reflects the level of their agreement or disagreement with four statements: ‘I feel safe and protected at school against a) verbal abuse b) bullies c) sexual abuse and d) physical punishment. An agreement to all four statements was categorized as ‘very safe and protected’; three out of four is ‘safe and protected; two out of four is ’somehow safe and protected’; one out of four is unsafe and unprotected and none of the four is extremely unsafe and unprotected.

Both adult and child respondents generally believed the school environment is safe. As indicated in Figure 3.212 below, about a third of each respondent group believed the school environment is very safe and protected against the parameters mentioned above. On the other hand, about a fifth of both respondent groups believed the school environment does not protect children against violence.

Figure 3.212: Respondents Perception of the Safety of the School Environment

Both adult and child respondents’ perception of Among all the assertions, results showed that the safety of the school environment by type of EA fewer respondents felt that the school was and gender is presented in Figure 3.213 and 3.214 “unsafe and unprotected” and “extremely unsafe respectively. Respondents in rural communities and unprotected” as depicted in Figure 3.213 and generally perceived the school environment to be 3.214. safe and protective against verbal abuse, bullies, sexual abuse and physical punishment. In Figure 3.214, only a little over ten percent of adults both male (12.8%) and female (12.0%) felt that A third of child (33.9%) and adult (31.5%) respondents children are extremely unsafe and unprotected at from urban EAs felt children are very safe and school. protected in the school environment. Most child (34.3%) and adult respondents (32.5%) in rural EAs agreed to three out of the four assertions i.e. they felt that children are safe and protected at school.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 41 Figure 3.213: Respondents’ perception of the Safety of the School Environment by type of EA

Figure 3.214: Respondents’ Perception of the Safety of the School Environment by Gender

As shown in Tables 3.220 and 3.221, a comparison of bullies, sexual abuse and physical punishment. respondents’ perception on the safety of the school On the other hand, a little more than a tenth in environment across the regions shows minimal Greater Accra (11.1%), Upper East (14.4%) and Upper differences. More than half of child respondents in West (14.4%) regions were of the opinion that the Ashanti (58.9%), Brong Ahafo (60.0%), and Eastern school environment was extremely unsafe and not (53.3%) regions felt the school provided a very safe protective. and protective environment against verbal abuse,

42 STUDY REPORT Table 3.27: Child Respondents’ Perception of the Safety of the School Environment by Region

Very safe and Safe and Somehow Unsafe and Extremely protected protected safe and unprotected unsafe and protected unprotected

Agrees to all 4 Agrees to 3 Agrees to 2 Agrees to 1 Agrees to none of the parameters parameters parameters parameter parameters Ashanti 58.9 17.8 16.7 4.4 2.2 Brong Ahafo 60.0 26.7 8.9 4.4 0.0 Central 18.9 44.4 24.4 10.0 2.2 Eastern 53.3 24.4 14.4 6.7 1.1 Greater Accra 18.9 35.6 17.8 16.7 11.1 Northern 22.2 48.9 13.3 8.9 6.7 Upper East 22.2 17.8 21.1 24.4 14.4 Upper West 18.9 35.6 13.3 17.8 14.4 Volta 11.1 31.1 28.9 22.2 6.7 Western 8.9 48.9 23.3 13.3 5.6 Total 29.3 38.4 12.9 12.9 6.4

Table 3.28: Adult Respondents’ Perception of the Safety of the School Environment by Region

Very safe and Safe and Somehow safe Unsafe and Extremely protected protected and protected unprotected unsafe and unprotected Agrees to all 4 Agrees to 3 Agrees to 2 Agrees to 1 Agrees to parameters parameters parameters parameter none of the parameters Ashanti 36.7 21.7 16.7 15.0 10.0 Brong Ahafo 45.8 30.0 12.5 8.3 3.3 Central 30.8 30.8 30.8 2.5 5.0 Eastern 35.8 27.5 13.3 15.0 8.3 Greater Accra 24.2 32.5 15.8 14.2 13.3 Northern 10.0 45.0 17.5 10.0 17.5 Upper East 22.5 15.0 10.0 12.5 40.0 Upper West 25.8 30.0 13.3 9.2 21.7 Volta 23.3 38.3 25.8 10.0 2.5 Western 21.7 35.0 28.3 10.8 4.2 Total 27.7 30.6 18.4 10.8 12.6

Some adults in Upper East (40.0%) and Upper West (21.7%) also felt the school environment was extremely unsafe and not protective.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 43 Assessing the individual parameters percent of both girls (88.6%) and boys (88.0%) examined for the safety of the school agreed that they felt safe and protected against environment sexual abuse. Again more girls (75.6%) than boys (73.3%) agreed that children are safe and protected This section explores each of the four parameters at school against bullies. On the other hand, more relating to the safety of school environment, namely than half of the female (64.5%) and male (65.8%) verbal abuse, bullies, sexual abuse and physical child respondents felt the school did not provide any punishment. The child survey results shown in safety and protection against physical punishment Table 3.222 suggest that there are minimal variation (caning, kneeling down and weeding etc). in responses among boys and girls. Almost ninety

Table 3.29: Child Respondents assessment of the safety of school environment

Gender Female Male Total Female Male Total

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

Verbal abuse 67.7 68.8 68.2 32.3 31.2 31.8

Bullies 75.6 73.3 74.6 24.5 26.7 25.4

Physical Punishment 35.5 34.2 34.9 64.5 65.8 65.1

3.2.4 POSITIVE CHILD DISCIPLINE Generally, three out of four of both child and adult respondents agreed that most people in the Communities Perception of Positive Child communities believe in positive child discipline Discipline methods. Respondents shared their views on community’s perception on positive child discipline. Positive As shown in Figure 3.215 below, majority of both child discipline in this study was assessed by two child (75.0%) and adult (75.6%) respondents agreed parameters. Respondents were asked to indicate to all two statements of positive child discipline. their agreement or disagreement with two main However, one out of ten of both respondent groups statements: most people in my community believe disagreed to both statements on positive child a) when a child does something wrong, explain to discipline. the child what he/she did wrong, and show the child how to set things right and b) a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to the needs of children.

44 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.215: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by type of respondent

This section examines each of the statements separately (Table 3.223). The results showed that, 83.4% and 80.9% of child respondents agreed that most people in their community believe “when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did wrong, and show the child how to set things right” and “a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to the needs (quality time) of children” respectively.

Similarly, more than eighty percent (82.3%) and (83.3%) of adult respondents also agreed that most people in their community believe “when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did wrong, and show the child how to set things right” and “a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to the needs (quality time) of children” respectively.

Table 3.210: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by type of respondent

Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % % Child Respondents N=900 Most people in my community believe when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did 83.4 7.1 8 .1 1.3 wrong, and show the child how to set things right Most people in my community believe a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to 80.9 8.9 8.4 1.8 the needs (quality time) of children Adult Respondents N=1200 Most people in my community believe when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did 83.8 9.3 4.7 2.3 wrong, and show the child how to set things right Most people in my community believe a parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to 82.3 8.7 5.6 3.4 the needs (quality time) of children

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 45 A comparison of positive child discipline by type As presented in Table 3.226 and 3.227, comparing of EA is presented in Table 3.224 (see Appendix positive child discipline by region showed some 6.1.2). Majority (approximately 80%) of both adult differences marginal differences in the responses and child respondents irrespective of the type of EA given by both child and adult respondents. agreed that people in their communities believe in explaining and showing children how to set things According to the findings, most of child right when he/she does something wrong. respondents who perceived that most people in their communities agree that ‘when a child does The trend is similar with regards to the second something wrong, explain to the child what he/she statement about most people in their communities did wrong, and show the child how to set things believing a parent/guardian must spend quality time right’ were in the Ashanti (97.8%), Eastern (96.7%) with children. and Brong Ahafo (94.4%) regions.

As shown in Table 3.225 (see Appendix 6.1.2), Similarly, more of child respondents in Upper majority of both males and females among child West (100%), Brong Ahafo (98.9%) and Ashanti and adult respondents agreed that most people in (95.6%) regions perceive that most people in their their community believe in explaining and showing communities agree that “parent/ guardian must the child how to set things when he/she does spend time interacting with and paying attention to something wrong were females. Approximately the needs of the children”. eighty percent agreed to this statement in each group. On the other hand, Central, Volta and Western regions had a higher proportion of child respondents About the same proportion of both male and female taking a neutral position, disagreeing or unsure child and adult respondents agreed that most about both statements. people in their community believe a parent/guardian must spend quality time with children were females.

Table 3.211: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by region (child respondent)

When a child does something wrong, explain A parent/guardian must spend time interacting to the child what he/she did wrong, and show with and paying attention to the needs (quality the child how to set things right time) of children

Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % %

Ashanti 97.8 2.2 0.0 0.0 95.6 2.2 2.2 0.0 Brong Ahafo 94.4 0.0 4.4 1.1 98.9 0.0 1.1 0.0 Central 75.6 7.8 13.3 25.0 56.7 25.6 15.6 2.2 Eastern 96.7 2.2 1.1 0.0 91.1 4.4 4.4 0.0 Greater Accra 83.3 1.1 14.4 1.1 77.8 5.6 8.9 7.8 Northern 86.7 6.7 2.2 4.4 84.4 4.4 5.6 5.6 Upper East 91.1 5.6 4.1 3.3 94.4 4.4 1.1 0.0 Upper West 92.2 4.4 1.1 2.2 100.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Volta 52.2 26.7 20.0 1.1 46.7 33.3 20.0 0.0 Western 64.4 14.4 21.1 0.0 63.3 8.9 25.6 2.2 Total 83.4 7.1 8.1 1.3 80.9 8.9 8.4 1.8

As indicated in Table 3.227 below, most of adult respondents who perceived that most people in their communities agree that ‘when a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did wrong, and show the child how to set things right’ were in the Brong Ahafo (95%), Upper East (93.3%) and Upper West (92.5%) region.

Similarly, more of adult respondents in Brong Ahafo (96.7%), Upper West (95.8%), Upper East (95%) and Northern regions (94.2%) perceived that most people in their communities agree that “parent/ guardian must spend time interacting with and paying attention to the needs of the children”.

46 STUDY REPORT Again, Central, Volta and Western regions recorded relatively lower proportions of respondents who agreed to both statements.

Table 3.212: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by region (adult respondents)

When a child does something wrong, explain to A parent/guardian must spend time interacting the child what he/she did wrong, and show the with and paying attention to the needs (quality child how to set things right time) of children

Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % %

Ashanti 83.3 9.2 5.0 2.5 86.7 7.5 4.2 1.7

Brong Ahafo 95.0 1.7 3.3 0.0 96.7 1.7 0.8 0.8

Central 73.3 15.0 7.5 4.2 58.3 18.3 16.7 6.7

Eastern 88.3 7.5 4.2 0.0 90.8 3.3 2.5 3.3

Greater Accra 85.8 4.2 6.7 3.3 86.7 5.0 4.2 4.2

Northern 87.5 8.3 2.5 1.7 94.2 2.5 1.7 1.7

Upper East 93.3 5.0 0.8 0.8 95.0 0.8 2.5 1.7

Upper West 92.5 4.2 0.0 3.3 95.8 0.8 1.7 17

Volta 65.0 28.3 5.0 1.7 50.0 37.5 7.5 5.0

Western 74.2 9.2 11.7 5.0 69.17 9.2 14.2 7.5

Total 83.8 9.3 4.7 2.3 82.3 8.7 5.6 3.4

3.2.5 CHILD MARRIAGE Beliefs and attitude towards child marriage were examined from the perspective of the individual respondents as well as their assessment of the communities’ perception. Generally, both adult and child respondents were of the opinion that marriage and co-habiting for children under the age of 18 years was unacceptable.

Almost all the child respondents opined that marriage/co-habiting of boys (96.6%) and girls (95.4%) under the age of 18 years was unacceptable. Majority of the respondents also agreed that child marriage should be discontinued in all circumstances (91.3%) and girl child education should be supported (99.1%).

Figure 3.216: Individual Child Respondent’s beliefs and attitude towards child marriage

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 47 Similarly, most adult respondents opined that child marriage of boys (94.8%) and girls (91.6%) was unacceptable. Again, majority of adult respondents also agreed that co-habiting of boys (91.4%) and girls (90.8%) under 18 years was unacceptable (Figure 3.217).

Figure 3.217: Individual Adult Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage

As shown in figure 3.218 below, majority of child respondents in both rural and urban communities agreed with the statement that marriage/co-habiting under 18 years for boys and girls was unacceptable.

Similarly, almost all the respondents (99%) agreed that children, especially girls, should be supported to stay in school and grow to their full potential, until they are older and are mature to form a family.

Figure 3.218: Individual Child Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA

48 STUDY REPORT Although most of the adult respondents agreed that child marriage and co-habiting of boys and girls was unacceptable, adult respondents who resided in the urban communities were more likely to agree that child marriage of boys (95.2%) and co-habiting of boys (91.6%) was unacceptable. Similarly, adults in the urban areas also opined that child marriage of girls (91.8%) and co-habiting of girls (91.0%) was unacceptable as depicted in the figure 3.219 below.

Figure 3.219: Individual adult’s beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA

Figure 3.220 below shows marginal regional should be supported to stay in school and grow to differences in responses on child marriage. their full potential, until they are older and are mature However, majority of respondents who opined that to form a family. marriage/co-habiting under the age of 18 years is unacceptable for both boys and girls were those in Figure 3.221 shows marginal regional differences Volta, Central, Northern, Western and Upper East in responses among adult respondents on region. child marriage. Majority of respondents in all ten regions were of the view that child marriage was Also, respondents who were in Upper East, unacceptable. However, Ashanti and Eastern Ashanti and Eastern and Brong Ahafo region were regions had the least number of respondents who more likely to agree that child marriage should be opined that marriage and co-habiting of both boys discontinued in all circumstances. Respondents in and girls aged below 18 years were unacceptable. all the regions agreed that children, especially girls,

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 49 Figure 3.220: Individual Child Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region

Figure 3.221: Individual Adult Respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region

50 STUDY REPORT Communities’ Beliefs and Attitude towards Child Marriage

Respondents also gave their opinion on how most people in their communities perceived child marriage. Figure 3.222 below indicates that, majority of child respondents agreed that most people in their community were not in support of child marriage (88.6%) and co-habiting of children aged below 18 years (88.6%).

In addition, more than two thirds of child respondents perceived that most people in their community believed that child marriage should be discontinued in all circumstances (78.4%) and children especially girls should be supported to stay in school and grow to their full potential until they are older and are mature to form a family (95.9%).

Figure 3.222: Child Respondents’ Views on Communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage(A)

Figure 3.223 shows that majority of child respondents perceived that most people in their communities agreed that marriage under the age of 18 years is unacceptable for boys (91.8%) and girls (87.2%).

Similarly, most of the child respondents perceived that most people in their communities agreed that cohabiting under the age of 18 is unacceptable for boys (90.7%) and girls (87.9%).

Figure 3.223: Child respondents’ views on communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage (B)

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 51 As depicted in Figure 3.224 below, most of the adult respondents agreed that most people in their community were not in support of child marriage (86.2%) and co-habiting of children below 18 years (87.2%). Also, more than two thirds of adult respondents perceived that most people in their community believed that child marriage should be discontinued in all circumstances (78.9%) and children especially girls to be supported to stay in school and grow to their full potential (95.0%).

Almost all the adult respondents agreed that most people in their community believed that marriage under the age of 18 years (87.8%) and cohabiting under the age of 18 years were unacceptable (86.8%) for boys.

Similarly, majority of respondents also agreed that most people in their community believed that marriage under the age of 18 years (82.8%) and cohabiting below the age of 18 years were unacceptable (84.4%) for girls.

Figure 3.224: Adult Respondents’ View on Communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage

As shown in Figure 3.225, majority of adult Almost all respondents in both rural (95.3%) and respondents in both rural and urban communities urban (95.0%) areas agreed that their communities stated that most people in their communities were perceived that children especially girls should be not in support of child marriage, co-habiting of supported to stay in school. Comparatively, fewer children aged below 18 years. Approximately ninety respondents in rural (77.9%) and urban (80.2%) percent of the adult respondents who resided in the perceived that most people in communities agree rural (87.7%) and urban (84.3%) areas agreed that that child marriage should be discontinued in all most people in their community were not in support circumstances. of child marriage and co-habiting of children below 18 years- 88.1% and 86% in rural and urban areas respectively.

52 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.225: Adult Respondents’ views on communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA

Majority of child respondents agreed with all four statements examined under child marriage. We observed minimal differences in the findings by area of residence. An important observation is the relatively lower proportion of child residents in both rural and urban who agreed that marriage before the age of 18 years should be discontinued in all circumstances.

Figure 3.226: Child respondents’ views on communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by type of EA

Adult respondents’ perception of their communities’ beliefs and attitudes towards child marriage by region is presented in Figure 3.227. Majority of adult respondents in all ten regions agreed that most people in their community believe that marriage of boys and girls under the age of 18 years was unacceptable; that marriage before the age of 18 years should be discontinued in all circumstances, and that children especially girls, should be supported to stay in school.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 53 While majority of adult respondents in Brong Ahafo As shown in Figure 3.228, respondents who felt (90%), Upper East (80%), Upper West (90%), Eastern people in their community believe that marriage (94.2%), Greater Accra (85%) and Ashanti (90%) of boys and girls under the age of 18 years was regions agreed that marriage before the age of 18 unacceptable were from the Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, years should be discontinued in all circumstances, Eastern, Volta and Upper East region. Central (67.5%), Western (65%) and Northern (45%) recorded relatively low proportions of respondents Also, most of respondents who perceived that most agreeing to the same statement. people in their community believed that cohabiting of boys and girls under the age of 18 years was As indicated in Figure 3.227 below, in almost all the unacceptable were those in the Brong Ahafo, ten regions, adult respondents were of the opinion Northern, Central, Upper East and Volta region that children, especially girls, should be supported to stay in school and grow to their full potential, until they are older and are matured to form a family.

Figure 3.227: Adult Respondents’ Views on Communities’ beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region

54 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.228: Community’s beliefs and attitude towards child marriage by region

3.2.6 FAMILY-BASED CARE Respondents were asked to share their individual views and what they believe most people in their community belief about family-based care. Respondents were asked the degree to which they agreed or disagreed to these statements; every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them, every child needs a loving family, I support a customary foster care system, and I support adoption of children.

Individual Adult Respondent Beliefs and Attitude towards Family Based Care Individual adult respondents’ beliefs and attitude towards Family Based Care is presented in Figure 3.229. Almost all adult respondents agreed that every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them (99.3%) and also every child needs a loving family (99.2%). Majority of these respondents also said they supported customary foster care system (73.1%) and adoption of children (66.8%).

Figure 3.229: Individual Adult Respondent’s beliefs and attitude on family-based care

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 55 As indicated in Figure 3.230 below, attitude towards family-based care differed minimally by place of residence. Majority of adult respondents in both rural and urban communities showed positive attitude towards family- based care. Almost all respondents living in rural (99%) and urban (99.4%) communities agreed that “every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them”. Similarly, ninety nine percent of respondents who resided in rural and urban areas both opined that every child needs a loving family.

Additionally, more of respondents in the rural communities (74.6%) agreed to a customary foster care system compared to those from the urban communities (71.3%). On the other hand, more urban (70.9) than rural respondents (63.4%) supported adoption of children.

Figure 3.230: Individual Adult Respondents’ beliefs and attitude on family-based care by type of EA

As depicted in figure 3.231 below there were marginal regional differences with regards to opinion on family- based care. We observe an almost universal support from respondents in all regions for two statements examined under family-based care: ‘every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them’ and ‘every child needs a loving family’.

Support for ‘customary foster care system’ and ‘child adoption’ was comparatively lower; ranging from 44.2 – 92.5 and 43.3 – 81.7 percent for ‘customary foster care system’ and ‘child adoption’ respectively. Northern region recorded both lower figures. Upper West and Brong Ahafo regions recorded the highest figures for ‘customary foster care system’ (92.5%) and ‘child adoption’ (81.7%) respectively.

56 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.231: Individual’s Adult Respondent’s Belief and Attitude on Family-based Care by Region

Individual Child Respondents’ View on Family Based Care Child respondents were asked to indicate the degree with which they agreed or disagreed to three statements relating to family-based care – ‘children should not live in children’s homes or orphanages’; ‘I support a customary foster care system’ and ‘I support adoption of children’. A composite indicator of Family Based Care is derived from these three statements as follows: an agreement to all three statements is categorized as ‘total agreement’; two out of the three statements is an ‘agreement’; one out of the three is ‘disagreement’ whilst disagreement to all three statements is described as ‘total disagreement’. Results for this composite indicator of Family based care is presented in Figure 3.232 below.

As per the above categorization, about a third of child respondents totally agreed (35.6%) or agreed (33.0%) to family-based care for children whilst the rest disagreed (17.6%) or totally disagreed with it (13.9%). There was no difference in the proportion of male (35.7%) and female (35.5%) child respondents who totally agreed to family-based care. About forty percent (39.5%) of child respondents who resided in the urban areas totally agreed to it.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 57 Figure 3.232: Composite Value of Child Respondent Beliefs and Attitude towards Family Based Care

The following section examines attitudes towards specific statements. As Figure 3.233 indicates, majority of child respondents (72.8%) and (68.6%) supported customary foster care system and adoption of children. However, about half (48.9%) agreed whiles about a third (38.2%) of child respondents disagreed with the statement that children should not live in children’s homes/orphanages.

Figure 3.233: Individual Child Respondent’s belief and attitude on family-based care

Figure 3.234 below shows that, child respondents who lived in rural communities were more likely to support customary foster care system (76.1%) and adoption of children (67.3%), while more of respondents who supported the statement “children should not live in children’s homes/orphanages” were from the urban communities (55.4%).

58 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.234: Individual’s belief and attitude on family-based care by type of EA

Figure 3.235 shows marginal regional differences with regards to opinion about specific statements on family- based care. More of the respondents who opined that children should not live in children’s homes/orphanages were those in the Brong Ahafo (88.9%), Ashanti (86.7%) and Eastern region (84.4%).

Similarly, most of respondents who supported customary foster care system were those in the Eastern (93.3%), Brong Ahafo (92.2%), Ashanti (88.9%), Upper West (88.9%) and Western (84.4%) regions. Most of respondents who supported adoption of children were those in the Ashanti (90%), Brong Ahafo (85.6%), Eastern (84.4%) and Western (80%) regions.

It is worth noting that Northern region recorded the least proportion of respondents who agreed to all three statements: that children should not live children’s homes/orphanages 35.6%, support customary foster care system (30%) and child adoption (27.8%).

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 59 Figure 3.235: Individual’s belief and attitude on family-based care by region

Community Beliefs and Attitude towards More than two thirds (76.5%) of adult respondents Family-based Care agreed that most people in their community supported a customary foster care system, and Adult respondents also gave their opinion on about forty percent (38.5%) of respondents agreed how most people in their communities perceived most people in their community believed children family-based care. As shown in Figure 3.236 below, should not live in children’s homes/orphanages. respondents generally agreed that most people in their community believed in family-based care. However, ninety percent (90.5%) of respondents agreed that most people in their community will Almost all the adult respondents opined that most prefer to nurture children in a family environment, people in their community believed every child and almost fifty percent (49.9%) of respondents has the right to live with a family that cares for them agreed that most people in their community (96.6%) and every child needs a loving family supported adoption of children. (96.6%).

60 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.236: Community’s beliefs and attitude on family-based care among adult respondents

Figure 3.237 below shows that, more of adult Agreement with the statement on “children should respondents in rural communities perceived that not live in children’s homes/orphanages” was most people in their communities were in favor of relatively low in both rural (35.9%) and urban (43.6%) the statements about family based care that: “every communities. Similarly, about half of respondents in child has the right to live with a family that cares for both rural (52.4%) and urban (53.6%) communities them” (95.7%), support for customary foster care indicated their support for adoption of children. system (78.4%) and “prefer to nurture children in a family environment” (92.2%).

Figure 3.237: Community’s beliefs and attitude on family-based care among adults by type of EA

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 61 As shown in Figure 3.238 there were regional differences in the responses from adult respondents with regards to community perception about family-based care. Almost all the adult respondents in all ten regions perceived that, most people in the community believed “every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them”, “every child needs a loving family” and “most people will prefer to nurture children in a family environment”.

Less than fifty percent of respondents in seven out of the ten regions opined that their communities agreed with the statement that “children should not live in children’s homes or orphanage”: Upper West (45%), Greater Accra (40%), Upper East (37.5%), Northern (23.3%), Western (18.3%), Central (10%) and Volta (10%). Similarly, five regions recorded less than fifty percent forsupport “ for adoption of children”. They are Western (47.5%), Greater Accra (37.5%), Central (36.7%), Northern (25.8%) and Volta (20%) regions.

Figure 3.238: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care among adults by region

Child respondents also gave their opinion on how However, more than half of the respondents agreed most people in their communities perceived family- that most people in their community supported based care. As shown in Figure 3.239 below, most a customary foster care system (77.2%) and about respondents agreed that most people in their half supported child adoption (52.9%). On the hand, community believed in family-based care. about forty percent (39.2%) of child respondents agreed their communities believed children should Almost all the child respondents opined that most not live in children’s homes/orphanages. people in their community believed every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them (95.3%), every child needs a loving family (95.6%) and most people will prefer to nurture children in a family environment (91.4%).

62 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.239: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care by child respondent

As shown in Figure 3.240, majority of child respondents in both rural and urban communities agreed that most people in their community favored each of the statement considered in this study about family based care: “every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them (96.8% and 96.3%), “every child needs a loving family” (96.8% and 96.3%), “support for customary foster care system” (78.5 and 74.1%) and “prefer to nurture children in a family environment, child adoption” (77.9% and 80.2%).

Support for child adoption was affirmed by approximately half of the child respondents in both rural (48.5%) and urban (51%) communities.

Figure 3.240: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care among children by type of EA

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 63 Figure 3.241 below, also shows marginal regional differences with regards to community’s perception on family based care.

Majority of child respondents in all the ten regions indicated that most people in their community believed that every child has the right to live with a family that cares for them and every child needs a loving family. In Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Upper West regions all the respondents agreed to these two statements.

Again, child respondents who were in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Eastern region were more likely to agree that most people in their community supported customary foster care system and adoption of children.

Majority of child respondents in all ten regions opined that most people in their community will prefer to nurture children in a family environment.

Majority of child respondents who were in Ashanti (84.4%), Brong Ahafo (82.2%) and Eastern (85%) regions agreed that most people in their community believed that children should not live in children’s homes/ orphanages.

Figure 3.241: Community’s belief and attitude on family-based care among children by region

64 STUDY REPORT 3.3 PRACTICES RELATED TO 3.3.1 ARE ADULTS COMFORTABLE CHILD PROTECTION TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST This section reports on practices related to child CHILDREN? protection. The study examined all forms of violence As shown in Table 3.3-1, majority (80.3%) of adult against children, including physical or mental, respondents disagreed with the statement about injury and abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, feeling uncomfortable talking to children about maltreatment or exploitation, sexual abuse and violence against children. However, about 72 rape. The study assessed how respondents percent felt uncomfortable asking children about communicated with adults or children on issues defilement as well as sexual abuse. More than a third related to violence against children. Respondents (37.3%) agreed with the statement that children feel also discussed actions they would take when they uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence suspected or witnessed violence against a child. against children with them. To assess communication about violence against About thirty six percent (36.3%) of respondents said children, respondents were asked to indicate they participated in informal conversations related the best reflection of their level of agreement or to child protection issues in the week prior to the disagreement with specific statements on talking to survey. children about violence against children in general; asking children about defilement and sex abuse; perception on how comfortable children in general and their own children are in discussing issues around violence against children with the adults.

Table 3.31: Self-assessment of ability to talk to children on violence against children and informal participation in child protection conversation among adult respondents

Agree Disagree % % I feel uncomfortable talking to children about violence against children 19.7 80.3 I feel uncomfortable asking children about defilement 28.2 71.8 I feel uncomfortable asking children about sexual abuse 28.3 71.8 Children feel uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence against 37.3 62.8 children with me I participated in informal conversations related to child protection issues 36.3 63.8 in the past week

In the rural enumeration areas (EA), more than half of all the adult respondents disagreed that they felt uncomfortable talking about violence against children (78.9%), defilement of children (69.6%), as well as asking about sexual abuse (68.8%) respectively. This is a little lower than the urban enumeration areas which recorded 81.9%, 74.6% and 75.4% respectively.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 65 Figure 3.31: Self-assessment of how adult respondents feel about talking to children on violence, defilement and sexual abuse by type of EA

More adult respondents living in urban than rural settings disagreed with the statement that children in general (65.1%) as well as their own children (76.8) felt uncomfortable discussing issues around violence against children with them.

Furthermore, most adult respondents (60.8%) in rural settings stated that they felt uncomfortable asking children about sexual abuse. They (39.2%) also agreed that children feel uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence against children with them (see Figure 3.3-2).

Figure 3.32: Self-assessment of how children feel in talking to adults about issues around violence against children by type of EA

66 STUDY REPORT Generally, as shown in Figure 3.3-3 below about two thirds of the 1073 respondents who have or care for children (73.9%, 793) disagreed with the statement that their own children felt uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence against children with them. This means their children feel at ease discussing violence against children with them. Figure 3.33: Adult respondents’ perception of how comfortable their own children feel in discussing issues around violence against children

The adult respondents were asked how often they as parents/guardians discuss violence against children with their own children or wards. As indicated in Figure 3.3-4, six out of ten (63.6%) adult respondents intimated that they occasionally discuss violence against children while a few (20.9%) said they often do so. However, more than a tenth of the respondents (15.6%) indicated that they never have such discussion with their children or wards.

Figure 3.34: Frequency of discussion on violence against children with on children/wards among adult respondents

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 67 As shown in Figure 3.3-5, majority of adult respondents in both rural (71.6%) and urban (76.8%) communities disagreed that their children felt uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence against children with them.

Similarly, majority of adult respondents in both rural (63.4%) and urban (64%) disagreed that they participated in informal conversations related to child protection issues in the week prior to the survey. However, there were no differences between the two groups.

Figure 3.35: Perception of adult respondents of how children feel about discussing violence against children with adults and adult participation in informal discussions by EA type

When respondents were asked how frequently they as parents/guardians discuss violence against children with your children/ward, majority of respondents in both rural (64.4%) and urban (62.5%) indicated occasional discussions on the topic. About one fifth of rural (18.4%) and a fourth of urban (24.1%) respondents stated they often have such discussion with their children or wards (See Figure 3.3-6).

Figure 3.36: Frequency of discussion about violence with children/wards by type of EA

68 STUDY REPORT The frequency of discussion on violence against children by parents/guardians with either their child/ward showed that most parent/guardians occasionally discuss violence against children with their child/ward. As shown in Table 3.3-2 below, over sixty percent of respondents in all age groups indicated they occasionally have such discussion. The highest proportion of respondents who said they never have such discussion was among the 18 – 24-year group. More than a fifth of respondents aged 36 years and above stated they often have discussions on violence against children with their children or wards.

Table 3.32: Frequency of discussion about violence with children/wards by Age

Age Never Occasionally Often % % % 18-24 26.9 61.5 11.5 25-35 18.7 63.5 17.8 36-45 13.2 63.5 23.2 46-55 9.6 65.9 24.5 56-65 16.2 61.0 22.9 Total 15.6 63.6 20.9

Table 3.3-3 consists of two statements assessing how adult respondents feel about talking to children about violence against children and asking children about defilement. Majority of adult respondents across the various age groups disagreed with feeling uncomfortable talking to children about violence against children. A little over ninety percent (90.6%) were within the 56 – 65 year age-group. Close to a third and a quarter of those within the 18-24 and 25 – 35 year age group respectively agreed to feeling uncomfortable talking to children about violence against children.

As was observed in the first part of the table, majority of respondents in all age groups with the highest proportion (83.2%) in the group aged 56 – 65 years disagreed with the statement “I feel uncomfortable asking children about defilement”. However, a little more than two out of five (41.9%) adult respondents aged 18 – 24 agreed to the statement asking if they felt uncomfortable asking children about defilement.

Table 3.33: Self-assessment of how respondent feels in talking to children about violence and defilement

I feel uncomfortable talking to children I feel uncomfortable asking about violence against children children about defilement

Age Agree Disagree Agree Disagree % % % % 18-24 33.3 66.7 41.9 58 .1 25-35 24.6 75.3 33.5 66.5 36-45 16.7 83.3 24.5 75.5 46-55 12.8 87.2 21.8 78.2 56-65 9.4 90.6 16.8 83.2 Total 19.8 80.3 28.2 71.8

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 69 Table 3.3-4 shows respondents’ self-assessment by age category of how they feel talking to children about sexual abuse and whether children feel uncomfortable to discuss issues related to violence against children with them as adults. Generally, fewer adult respondents felt uncomfortable asking children about sexual abuse, however, across the different age groups those aged 18 – 24 (41.0%) felt more uncomfortable compared to 56 – 65 (16.8%) age group.

In addition, more than half (53.9%) of respondents in the age group 18 – 24 attested to the fact that children feel uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence against children with them.

Table 3.34: Self-assessment of how adult respondent feels in talking to children about sexual abuse

I feel uncomfortable asking Children feel uncomfortable to children about sexual abuse discuss issues around violence against children with me

Age Agree Disagree Agree Disagree % % % % 18-24 41.0 59.0 53.9 46.2 25-35 34.0 66.0 42.3 57.7 36-45 24.5 75.5 29.7 70.3 46-55 21.8 78.2 32.7 67.3 56-65 16.8 83.2 32.7 67.3 Total 28.3 71.8 37.3 62.8

Table 3.3-5 shows responses to two questions: whether the respondents own child feels uncomfortable to discuss issues around violence against children with them and also if they participated in any informal conversation related to child protection issues a week prior to data collection. Majority of respondents in all age groups disagreed with both statements. The highest proportion of respondents who agreed their own children felt uncomfortable discussing violence against children issues with them were in the 18-24 year group (42.3%). On the other hand those in 46-55 year group had the highest proportion of respondents (44.6%) indicating that they participated in informal conversation related to child protection issues in the week prior to data collection.

Table 3.35: Self-assessment of participation in discussion about child protection issues and how children feel in discussing violence with their parents by age category

My child feels uncomfortable to discuss I participated in informal conversation issues around violence against children related to child protection issues in with me the past week

Age Agree Disagree Agree Disagree % % % % 18-24 42.3 57.7 35.9 64.1 25-35 32.9 68 .1 35.7 64.4 36-45 20.3 79.7 32.6 67.4 46-55 21.6 78.4 44.6 55.5 56-65 22.9 77.1 34.6 65.4 Total 26.1 73.9 36.3 63.8

70 STUDY REPORT 3.3.2 ARE CHILDREN COMFORTABLE TALKING TO ADULTS ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN? Table 3.3-6 below assesses child respondents’ ability to talk to a parent/guardian and the frequency of any discussions about violence against children. The figures presented in the table did not vary much between the respondents (girls and boys). Most of the boys (65.6%) and girls (62.7%) agreed that they had a chat with parents or guardian in the week prior to the survey. More (44.4%) boys than girls (41.3%) felt they have the ability to talk to parents or guardian about violence against children. It is worth noting that more of the girls (58.7%) than boys (55.6%) have never had any discussion on violence against children with parents or guardians.

Table 3.36: Ability to talk to parent/guardian and frequency of discussion about violence against children by gender

Had a chat Ability to talk to Frequency of discussion on violence with parent/ parent/ guardian against children with parent/ guardian guardian in about violence (physical, verbal, emotional) last one week against children

Gender Yes Yes Never Occasionally Often % % % % % Girls 62.7 41.3 58.7 36.3 5.0 Boys 65.6 44.4 55.6 40.2 4.2 Total 64.0 42.7 57.3 38.0 4.7

There were minimal differences between responses from boys and girls for the various parameters assessing the respondent’s ability to communicate with adults at home and outside their home about sexual abuse as well as talking about violence against children to adults at school. As shown in Table 3.3-7, majority (61.9% and 66.3%) of the respondents who feel uncomfortable talking to adults at home and outside home about sexual abuse were boys. More girls (47.9%) than boys (42.4%) feel uncomfortable talking about violence against children to adults at school.

Table 3.37: Child Respondents’ Self-assessment of their ability to communicate with adults about sexual abuse by gender

I feel uncomfortable talking to I feel uncomfortable talking adults about sexual abuse about violence against children to adults at school Gender Adults at home Adults outside home Agree Disagree Agree Disagree Agree Disagree % % % % % % Girls 54.9 45.1 62.3 37.7 47.9 52.1 Boys 61.9 38.2 66.3 33.7 42.4 57.6 Total 58.0 42.0 64.1 35.9 45.4 54.6

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 71 3.3.3 WHAT RESPONDENTS would report to DOVVSU/Police (49.0%,) followed WILL DO WHEN THEY by telling a parent or guardian (43.9%). Fight the EXPERIENCE, WITNESS perpetrator and report to social welfare were OR SUSPECT VIOLENCE additional responses given for what they will do if AGAINST A CHILD they experienced, witnessed or suspected sexual violence at home and outside home (Figure 3.3-7). Child respondents shared their thoughts on what they will do or what action they will take in the event that they experienced or witnessed or suspected Similarly, majority of adult respondents interviewed physical, psychological or sexual violence both will talk to the perpetrator if they witnessed or at home and outside the home. Generally, a large suspected physical violence at home (91.5%) or proportion of children said they will talk to the outside the home (88.9%); psychological violence perpetrator in the case of physical violence at home at home (91.7%) or outside the home (86.3). With (73.8%) or outside the home (64.3%), psychological respect to both sexual violence at home (75.3%) and violence at home (64.9%) or outside the home outside the home (64.1%), many respondents will (55.6%). The trend was different with respect to what report to DOVVSU or the police. A small proportion majority of them will do in the case of sexual violence: of the adult respondents (2.6%) said they will take the for sexual abuse at home, child respondents were victim to the hospital when they witness or suspect more likely to tell their parents or guardians (54.7%) sexual violence outside the home (Figure 3.3-8). or report to DOVVSU/Police. However, in situations It is worth noting that some respondent would do of sexual abuse outside the home, many more nothing or mind their own business when they see any form of abuse.

Figure 3.37: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when violence against children is witnessed or suspected

72 STUDY REPORT Figure 3.38: Action that will be taken by child respondents towards violence against children

Table 3.3-8 shows actions that child respondents will take when they experience, witness or suspect physical violence in the home by region. Majority (73.8%) said they will ‘talk to the perpetrator’ and about a third (28.8%) mentioned they would ‘tell their parent or guardian’ and others mentioned they would ‘plead on the child’s behalf’ (11.3%). Those who will do nothing or mind their own business were 7.3 percent. It is worth noting that less than one percent of the responses were ‘report to social welfare’ (0.8%).

Table 3.38: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect physical violence in the home by region

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Talk to perpetrator 67.8 91.1 90.0 52.2 68.9 82.2 81.1 56.7 62.2 85.6 73.8 Tell parent/ guardian 53.3 4.4 10.0 15.6 18.9 10.0 4.4 76.7 53.3 11.1 28.8 Plead on child’s behalf 5.6 5.6 8.9 38.9 21.1 16.7 12.2 1.1 3.3 0.0 11.3 Talk to the victim 1.1 17.8 20.0 4.4 16.7 10.0 14.4 1.1 0.0 1.1 8.7 Nothing/ Mind my own business 10.0 0.0 7.8 12.2 10.0 5.6 8.9 4.4 5 .6 8.9 7.3 Report to DOVVSU/Police 11.1 11.1 12.2 8.9 7.8 4.4 1.1 0.0 4.4 2.2 6.3 Report to elder/ Call for help 7.8 3.3 6.7 11.1 4.4 8.9 5.6 0.0 6.7 0.0 5.4

Tell a teacher 4.4 3.3 2.2 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 21.1 4.4 2.2 3.9

Tell a friend 6.7 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.2 5.6 1.1 2.7 Report to Social Welfare 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 2.2 0.0 0.8 Other 0.0 1.1 1.1 25.6 4.4 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 3.6

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 73 Child respondents also shared what they will do when they experienced, witnessed or suspected physical violence against a child outside the home. Responses in this instance slightly mirrored what they said they will do when they experience, witness or suspect physical violence in the home. More than half (64.4%) of respondents mentioned that they will ‘talk to the perpetrator’ and 23.1 percent also said that they will ‘tell their parent or guardian’. About 15 percent indicated they would ‘do nothing or mind my own business’. Across the regions 90.0% of respondents from Eastern region said they will prefer to talk to the perpetrator, majority (66.7%) of those from the Northern region will tell the parent or guardian. In the Central region, 36.0 percent of the respondents will rather mind their own business or do nothing. Seventeen percent (17.8%) of respondents from Ashanti region will ‘talk to the victim’ when they experience, witness or suspect physical violence outside the home (Table 3.3-9).

Table 3.39: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect physical violence outside the home by region

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Talk to perpetrator 45.6 90.0 83.3 47.8 57.8 39.3 83.3 52.2 64.4 80.0 64.4 Tell parent/ guardian 40.0 3.3 5.6 14.4 7.8 11.2 31.1 66.7 44.4 6.7 23.1 Nothing/ Mind my own business 20.0 1.1 8.9 24.4 20.0 36.0 10.0 10.0 5.6 14.4 15.0 Talk to the victim 2.2 10.0 17.8 15.6 10.0 10.1 13.3 1.1 0.0 1.1 8.1 Report to elder/ Call for help 10.0 7.8 7.8 15.6 3.3 6.7 10.0 0.0 4.4 1.1 6.7 Plead on child’s behalf 4.4 1.1 7.8 21.1 18.9 5.6 2.2 0.0 2.2 0.0 6.3 Report to DOVVSU/Police 12.2 12.2 13.3 2.2 5.6 7.9 1.1 0.0 4.4 2.2 6.1

Tell a teacher 6.7 2.2 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 22.2 4.4 0.0 3.9

Tell a friend 11.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0 1.1 17.8 6.7 1.1 3.9 Report to Social Welfare 1.1 0.0 0.0 1.1 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.0 0.9 Other 1.1 1.1 0.0 1.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.6

As indicated in Table 3.3-10 below, more than half violence at home. However, 78.9% of respondents (64.9%) of all child respondents said they will talk in the Northern region will ‘tell their parent/guardian’, to the perpetrator, 29.3 percent will tell the child’s compared to 17.8% of respondents in Northern parent/guardian and 12.3 percent will do nothing or region who will ‘tell a friend’ and ‘a teacher’ while mind their own business. 23.3% of respondents in Ashanti will prefer to talk to the victim’, 21.1% of respondents from Volta region Most of the child respondents in Ashanti region will plead on child’s behalf. (84.4%), Eastern Region (82.2%), Upper West (82.2%) and Brong Ahafo (80.0%) said that they will talk to the perpetrator in the event that they experience or witness or suspect psychological

74 STUDY REPORT Table 3.310: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect psychological violence at home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Talk to perpetrator 54.4 82.2 84.4 42.2 48.9 54.4 80.0 54.4 65.6 82.2 64.9 Tell my parent/ guardian 50.0 1.1 5.6 17.8 16.7 25.6 33.3 78.9 53.3 11.1 29.3 Nothing/ Mind my own business 12.2 14.4 12.2 15.6 15.6 13.3 13.3 5.6 7.8 13.3 12.3 Talk to the victim 1.1 11.1 23.3 5.6 10.0 11.1 6.7 0.0 1.1 0.0 7.0 Report to elder/ Call for help 6.7 0.0 5.6 16.7 11.1 4.4 7.8 0.0 4.4 0.0 5.7

Tell a friend 15.6 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 17.8 8.9 1.1 4.6 Plead on child’s behalf 2.2 0.0 3.3 21.1 6.7 6.7 3.3 0.0 2.2 0.0 4.6

Tell a teacher 2.2 2.2 0.0 3.3 3.3 0.0 1.1 17.8 7.8 0.0 3.8 Report to DOVVSU/Police 7.8 0.0 4.4 5.6 3.3 1.1 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0 2.3 Report to Social Welfare 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0 0.2 Other 1.1 0.0 0.0 7.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.0 1.1

Table 3.3-11 below shows responses to the question on what respondents will do when they experience, witness or suspect psychological violence outside their home. More than half (55.6%) of the child respondents would talk to the perpetrator. About twenty percent (19.6%) of all child respondents said they would do nothing in such situations. Other responses given included ‘talk to the victim’ (8.8%), ‘tell a teacher’ (5.6%), report to an elder or call for help (5.2%).

Taking the various regions into consideration, most of the respondents from Ashanti (85.6%) and eastern region (82.2%) would talk to the perpetrator, while 68.9 percent of respondents from Northern region would tell their parent/guardian. The highest proportion of respondents who indicated that they would mind their own business was in Central region (38.9%), whiles 22.2% of respondents in the Northern region will tell a friend and also tell a teacher. A quarter of the respondents (25.6%) in the Ashanti region mentioned that they will talk to the victim in the event that they experience or witness or suspect psychological abuse out the home.

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 75 Table 3.311: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect psychological violence outside the home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Talk to perpetrator 38.9 82.2 85.6 34.4 42.2 25.6 76.7 40.0 58.9 71.1 55.6 Tell parent/ guardian 40.0 0.0 5.6 23..3 13.3 17.8 23.3 68.9 46.7 8.9 24.8 Nothing/ Mind my own business 25.6 14.4 11.1 23.3 26.7 38.9 13.3 13.3 8.9 20.0 19.6 Talk to the victim 2.2 6.7 25.6 22.2 12.2 8.9 8.9 0.0 1.1 0.0 8.8

Tell a teacher 4.4 2.2 0.0 5.6 4.4 0.0 2.2 22.2 12.2 2.2 5.6 Report to elder/ Call for help 5.6 1.1 5.6 6.7 6.7 12.2 11.1 0.0 3.3 0.0 5.2

Tell a friend 16.7 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 22.2 6.7 0.0 4.8 Plead on child’s behalf 3.3 0.0 2.2 7.8 7.8 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.4 Report to DOVVSU/Police 7.8 0.0 4.4 3.3 3.3 1.1 2.2 0.0 2.2 0.0 2.4 Report to Social Welfare 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0 0.3 Other 1.1 0.0 1.1 0.0 0.0 1.1 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6

Findings from a multiple response question to elicit the views of child respondents on what they will do if they or any child in their home experienced, witnessed or suspected sexual violence in the home is presented in Table 3.3-12 below. Fifty four percent (54.7%) of the respondents interviewed will either tell their parent or guardian or that of the victim, this is followed by report to DOVVSU or the police (51.4%). Report to an elder was also stated by a fifth of the respondents (20%). A comparison across the regions shows that 76.7 percent from the Eastern region and 71.1 percent from Ashanti region will prefer to report to DOVVSU or the police. Ninety six percent (96.7%) in the Northern region will rather tell the parent or guardian. A little more than a quarter of the respondent in the Volta (26.7%) and Western regions (26.7%) would report to an elderly person, however, 5.6 percent in the Upper East region would prefer to do nothing or mind their own business. Twenty-four (24.4%) in the Ashanti region will shout for help if they experience, witness or suspect sexual violence at home.

Table 3.312: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect sexual violence at home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total

Tell parent/guardian 60.0 32.2 24.4 72.2 55.6 57.8 51.1 96.7 54.4 42.2 54.7 Report to DOVVSU/ Police 68.9 76.7 71.1 42.2 51.1 50.0 62.2 32.2 33.3 26.7 51.4 Report to elder 14.4 11.1 15.6 26.7 26.7 21.1 25.6 24.4 10.0 24.4 20.0 Talk to perpetrator 7.8 21.1 13.3 15.6 12.2 16.7 13.3 18.9 30.0 31.1 18.0 Shout for help 1.1 11.1 24.4 23.3 4.4 3.3 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.8

Tell a friend 13.3 4.4 4.4 2.2 1.1 1.1 4.4 5.6 10.0 4.4 5.1

Tell a teacher 3.3 0.0 0.0 4.4 1.1 4.4 0.0 13.3 8.9 3.3 3.9 Fight/hit perpetrator 0.0 8.9 10.0 6.7 2.2 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 3.1 Plead on child’s behalf 2.2 0.0 4.4 0.0 4.4 3.3 4.4` 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.9

Talk to the victim 1.1 0.0 2.2 0.0 6.7 1.1 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.4 Nothing/Mind my own business 3.3 1.1 0.0 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.6 3.3 1.4 Report to Social Welfare 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.0 1.1 1.1 2.2 2.2 0.9 Other 2.2 5.6 6.7 11.1 1.1 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.9

76 STUDY REPORT Table 3.3-13 below shows responses elicited from a multiple response question asking for what child respondents will do if they or any child experienced, witnessed or suspected sexual violence outside their home.

Almost half (49.1%) of the respondents interviewed will report to DOVVSU or the police in the event that they experience, witness or suspect sexual violence outside the home. Other respondents would prefer to ‘tell the parent or guardian’ (43.5%), ‘report to an elderly person’ (21.2%) or ‘shout for help’ (7.9%).

More than two thirds of respondents in the Eastern region (78.7%) and Greater Accra region (71.1%) will report to DOVVSU/ police. Ninety three percent (93.3%) in the Northern region will rather tell the victim’s parent/ guardian and 35.6 percent in the Volta region will report the incidence to an elderly person. Other responses given include advice the child to tell the parents, call people to be witnesses, take a video shot of scene as evidence and verbally abuse perpetrator.

Table 3.313: Action that will be taken by child respondent when they experience, witness or suspect psychological violence outside the home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Nothing/Mind my own business 3.3 0.0 0.0 5.6 8.9 4.4 1.1 2.2 5.6 3.3 3.4 Report to DOVVSU/ Police 71.1 78.7 66.7 33.3 37.8 51.1 60.0 28.9 37.8 25.6 49.1

Tell a friend 18.9 6.7 6.7 0.0 2.2 0.0 4.4 6.7 8.9 4.4 5.9 Report to Social Welfare 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.0 1.1 0.0 2.2` 2.2 0.7

Tell parent/guardian 56.7 27.0 17.8 50.0 30.0 35.6 40.0 93.3 44.4 40.0 43.5

Tell a teacher 4.4 1.1 2.2 4.4 3.3 3.3 2.2 13.3 10.0 2.2 4.7 Talk to perpetrator 5.6 16.9 5.6 15.6 7.8 8.9 20.0 18.9 32.2 23.3 15.5 Talk to the victim 2.2 3.4 4.4 10.0 7.8 3.3 6.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.3 Report to an elderly person 11.1 11.2 16.7 35.6 30.0 25.6 21.1 24.4 8.9 27.8 21.2 Plead on child’s behalf 1.1 3.4 5.6 3.3 3.3 2.2 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.00 2.2 Fight perpetrator 0.0 4.5 7.8 3.3 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.6 Shout for help 2.2 7.9 24.4 12.2 5.6 6.7 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.9 Other 0.0 7.9 6.7 6.7 4.4 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.9

Adult respondents across the regions were asked in Northern region: talk to the perpetrator (100%), talk a multiple response question on what action they will to the victim (19.2%) or report to DOVVSU /police take if they witness or suspect physical abuse in the (0.8%). Only four regions (Volta, Western, Upper home. As shown in Table 3.3-14, more than ninety East and Upper West) mentioned social welfare as percent (91.7%) of all the responses mentioned were a redress for physical violence in the home. Volta ‘talk to the perpetrator’. In all the ten regions ‘talk to region recorded the highest response option of ‘do the perpetrator’ was the main response. Additionally, nothing or mind own business’. more than a third (37.3%) were ‘talk to the victim’. There were only three types of responses from the

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 77 Table 3.314: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when physical violence is witnessed or suspected in the home

GAR ER AR VR WR CR BAR NR UER UWR Total

Talk to perpetrator 86.7 95.0 92.5 95.0 85.0 89.8 91.7 100 89.2 91.7 91.7 Talk to the victim 35.8 48.3 45.8 37.5 26.7 29.7 45.8 19.2 57.5 26.7 37.3 Tell parent/ guardian 32.5 0.8 3.3 1.7 10.8 1.7 0 0 15 6.7 13.8 Plead on child behalf 3.3 2.5 7.5 17.5 18.3 14.4 12.5 0 4.2 1.7 8.2 Report to DOVVSU/Police 14.2 5.0 5.0 8.3 15.8 9.3 7.5 0.8 7.5 0.8 7.4

Report to an elder 0.8 1.7 0.8 0.8 1.7 1.7 2.5 0 5.0 2.5 1.8 Fight the perpetrator 0 2.5 1.7 0 1.7 3.4 4.2 0 1.7 0 1.5 Nothing/Mind my own business 3.3 1.7 1.7 11.8 0 0.8 0 0 1.7 3.3 1.4 Report to Social Welfare 0 0 0 0.8 0.8 0 0 0 4.2 1.7 0.8 Tell a friend 0.8 0.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.8 0.8 0.3 Other 0 0.8 0.8 5 0.8 2.5 0 0 0.8 4.2 1.5

Additionally, adult respondent’s views on what action they will take when they witness or suspect physical violence outside the home was sought: in all the regions, ‘talk to the perpetrator’ was the most frequently mentioned response option. This was followed by ‘talk to the perpetrator’. ‘Tell a parent or guardian’ of the child was the second most frequently mentioned in the Northern (60.8%) and Greater Accra (34.2%) regions. In addition, a greater number (17.5%) of respondents who said they will report to DOVVSU/Police were from Greater Accra compared (Table 3.3-15).

Table 3.315: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect physical violence outside the home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Talk to 85.0 96.7 93.3 85.8 78.3 83.3 94.2 96.7 87.5 88.3 88.9 perpetrator Talk to the victim 26.7 41.7 37.5 29.2 21.7 20.8 40.0 15.8 55.8 21.7 31.1 Tell parent/ 34.2 1.7 3.3 2.2 8.3 1.1 7.7 60.8 15.8 5.8 15.1 guardian Report to 17.5 4.2 4.2 8.3 10.8 10.0 5.0 1.7 6.7 1.7 7.0 DOVVSU/Police Plead on child 3.3 2.5 4.2 13.3 10.0 13.3 6.7 0.0 4.2 0.8 5.8 behalf Nothing/Mind my 8.3 1.7 2.5 10.8 8.3 10.0 1.7 3.3 2.5 6.7 5.6 own business Report to an 0.8 0.0 0.0 5.0 0.8 2.5 0.8 0.0 1.7 3.3 1.5 elder Report to Social 0.8 0.0 0.8 1.7 0.0 0.8 0.8 0.0 4.2 2.5 1.2 Welfare Tell a friend 0.8 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.3 Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 1.7 12.5 0.0 0.0 3.3 0.7

78 STUDY REPORT As shown in Table 3.3-16 below, there were minimal regional differences in the response options with regards to action towards witnessed or suspected psychological violence in the home. Majority (91.7%) of adult respondents will prefer to talk to the perpetrator. Close to a third (32.1%) will talk to the victim, especially in the Upper East region where sixty (60%) of adult respondents mentioned this response option. Only one percent of the adult respondents indicated that they will involve the Social Welfare department in such situations.

Table 3.316: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect psychological violence in the home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Talk to 87.5 94.2 90.8 94.2 86.7 91.7 97.5 94.2 87.5 92.5 91.7 perpetrator

Talk to the victim 40.8 35.0 22.5 30.8 23.3 27.5 34.2 27.5 60.0 19.2 32.1

Tell parent/ 25.0 0.8 0.8 2.5 5.8 0 7.5 50.8 17.5 5.8 11.7 guardian Nothing/ Mind my own 2.5 4.2 5.8 3.3 4.2 1.7 2.5 0.8 4.2 6.7 3.6 business Plead on child 2.5 0 1.7 5.8 5.8 6.7 2.5 0 0.8 0 2.6 behalf Report to 8.3 0 0.8 1.7 3.3 3.3 2.5 0.8 4.2 0 2.5 DOVVSU/Police Report to an 0.8 0 0 3.3 2.5 1.7 0 0.8 2.5 1.7 1.3 elder Report to Social 1.7 0 0 0.8 0.8 0 0 0.8 5.8 0 1 Welfare Tell a friend 3.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.6 Other 1.7 0 0.8 0 0.8 0.8 0 0 0.8 0 0.5

As indicated in Table 3.3-17 below, eighty percent (86.3%) of the total adult respondents indicated that they will talk to the perpetrator when they witness or suspect psychological violence outside the home. More than ninety percent (95.8%) of respondents from the Brong Ahafo Region and 94.2% from the Northern Region said they will talk to the perpetrator. The second most frequently mentioned response was ‘talk to the victim’ (26.4%). More than half of respondents (55.8%) in the Upper West region, said they will talk to the victim, whilst 65.8% of respondents from the Northern region will tell the parent or guardian of the child. Some (0.2%) respondents gave other responses such as personally help the child, report of the unit committee or even reprimand the child if he/she is the one at fault.

As shown in Table 3.3-18 below, majority (77.7%) of adult respondents interviewed, indicated they will report to DOVVSU or the police if they witness or suspect sexual violence in their home. Again, a little less than a third (31.2%) of the respondents will also talk to the perpetrator. Other responses given were to plead on the child’s behalf (1.8%), report to social welfare (3.7%) and send child to the hospital (4.7%, 55).

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 79 Table 3.317: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect psychological violence outside the home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total

Talk to perpetrator 81.7 95.0 88.3 82.5 77.5 82.4 95.8 94.2 84.2 81.7 86.3

Talk to the victim 31.7 28.3 16.7 24.2 17.5 21.8 30.8 23.3 55.8 13.3 26.4 Tell parent/ guardian 33.3 1.7 1.7 6.7 5.8 1.7 13.3 65.8 23.3 6.7 16.0 Nothing/Mind my own business 10.0 5.0 10.8 15.0 12.5 11.8 4.2 2.5 4.2 14.2 9.0 Report to DOVVSU/ Police 10.8 0.8 0.8 2.5 2.5 3.4 3.3 2.5 5.8 0.8 3.3

Report to an elder 0.0 0.8 0.0 5.0 2.5 1.7 0.0 2.5 1.7 1.7 1.5 Report to Social Welfare 1.7 0.0 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 4.2 0.8 0.9

Tell a friend 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.5 Plead on child behalf 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 7.5 4.2 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.6 Other 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2

Table 3.318: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect sexual violence in the home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Report to DOVVSU/Police 85.0 93.3 81.0 85.6 10.1 11.1 90.7 58.9 64.3 53.3 77.7 Talk to perpetrator 39.2 27.5 22.4 25.4 36.1 21.8 19.5 44.6 35.7 41.9 31.2 Tell parent/ guardian 34.2 9.2 6.9 5.1 16.0 13.4 12.7 66.1 19.1 13.3 19.4 Talk to the victim 20.8 15.0 12.9 11.9 10.1 10.9 8.5 4.5 31.3 14.3 14 Send child to hospital 3.3 0 0 14.4 13.4 13.4 1.7 0 0 0 4.7 Report to Social Welfare 3.3 2.5 1.7 0.8 0 4.2 1.7 3.6 7.8 12.4 3.7 Fight perpetrator 1.7 10.8 8.6 0.8 3.4 0.8 1.7 0 0 2.9 2.9 Tell a friend 2.5 1.7 12.1 0 0 0 8.5 0.9 0 2.9 2.8 Plead or rescue the child 0 3.3 4.3 0.8 0 2.5 6.8 0 0 0 1.8 Shout for help 0 4.2 5.2 1.7 0.8 0.8 2.5 0 0 0 1.5 Nothing/ Mind my own business 0.8 0 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0 0 1.7 1.9 0.8 Other 0.8 3.3 2.6 1.7 1.7 0.8 0.8 0 0 1 1.3

80 STUDY REPORT Table 3.3-19 shows responses from adult respondents with regards to actions that would be taken in situations when sexual violence against a child is witnessed or suspected outside the home. Close to two thirds (64.6%) would report to DOVVSU/police. Some respondents will tell a parent or guardian of the child (30.6%) or would also prefer to talk to the perpetrator (24.5%). About five percent (4.6%, 55) of the adult respondents said they would do nothing or mind their own business when they see or suspect sexual violence outside their home. Only 2.8 percent of adults said they will report to the Social Welfare and 2.6 percent will send the child to the hospital.

Table 3.319: Action that will be taken by adult respondent when they witness or suspect sexual violence outside the home

Greater Brong Upper Upper Accra Eastern Ashanti Volta Western Central Ahafo Northern East West Total Report to DOVVSU/Police 85.0 73.5 69.0 62.5 62.5 71.4 79.0 42.5 56.3 45.0 64.6 Tell parent/ guardian 31. 34.2 22.4 25.0 24.2 21.0 23.5 85.0 24.4 14.2 30.6 Talk to perpetrator 25.0 22.2 19.8 13.3 23.3 9.2 19.3 44.2 31.9 35.8) 24.5

Shout for help 5.0 9.4 13.8 30.0 0.8 0.8 16.8 30.8 8.4 28.3 16.0

Talk to the victim 18.3 12.8 12.9 8.3 10.8 7.6 8.4 4.2 31.1 12.5 12.7

Tell a friend 3.3 8.5 21.6 0.0 1.7 0.0 15.1 0.0 0.8 2.5 5.3 Nothing/ Mind my own business 4.2 1.7 3.4 10.0 7.5 7.6 0.8 3.3 5.0 2.5 4.6 Report to Social Welfare 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.8 0.8 2.5 0.0 2.5 4.2 11.7 2.8 Send child to hospital 3.3 0.9 0.0 4.2 8.3 9.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.6 Plead or rescue the child 0.0 3.4 3.4 0.0 4.2 2.5 6.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 Fight perpetrator 0.8 6.0 2.6 0.0 0.8 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 Other 0.0 11.1 0.9 4.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.6

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 81 82 STUDY REPORT CONCLUSION

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 4. Conclusion

Disapproval of violence against children cuts across gender and place of residence, however, fewer respondents generally considered hitting the child with any object such as cane, hand, belt, whip, and shoe as a form of corporal punishment compared to throwing, kicking, shaking, pinching or pulling the hair of the child, making the child stay in uncomfortable positions or making him/her undertake excessive physical exercise and burning or scarring the child. Majority of the respondents felt that children are safe and protected against verbal abuse, bullies and sexual abuse in the school environment but not against physical punishment.

On positive child discipline, it was observed from the results that most of the individual respondents and communities believe in positively disciplining their child (ren)/ward(s) specifically relating to the questions that was posed to them. Child marriage and co-habiting is frowned upon by majority of the respondents and even communities. Most people are in agreement with the fact that children especially girls need to be supported to stay in school and grow to their full potential until they are older and matured enough to form a family.

The results of the study revealed that most people are in support of customary foster care than the adoption of children. It was observed that more of the children that were interviewed support adoption compared to the adults. Also a few regions mainly in the southern and middle belt of Ghana had respondents who were in support of the adoption of children. It is worth noting that majority of the child respondents disagreed with the statement that children should not live in children’s home or orphanages, whilst, the adult respondents mostly agreed with the statement irrespectively of whether they are rural or urban dwellers. In addition, communities were noted not to also be in support of children living in children’s home or orphanages, however, a greater number of such communities were perceived to support the adoption of children.

The section on the practice of child protection related behavior was assessed by asking both adults and children how comfortable they feel discussing/talking about issues related to violence against children and defilement/sexual abuse. It was observed that generally adults feel uncomfortable asking children about defilement and sexual abuse. This is more prominent among adults living in rural areas and younger adult i.e. those between ages 18 – 35 years. In addition, the adults asserted that children feel uncomfortable discussing issue around violence against children with them. Very few adults often discuss issues related to violence against children with their own children or wards. There were a few child respondents who said they had never discussed violence against children with their parents or guardians, majority were girls.

For both adult and child respondents the main action they will take when they witness, suspect or experience physical violence (at home and outside) and psychological violence (at home and outside) is to talk to the perpetrators of the act. Very few mentioned that they will report to a social welfare official. However, according to the adults when they witness or suspect sexual abuse both at home and outside the home they will report to DOVVSU/police, but for child respondents, when they experience or witness, the sexual abuse at home and outside they will talk to the perpetrator before reporting to DOVVSU/police.

84 STUDY REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS A. Practices related to child protection 1. Religious bodies, leaders and opinion leaders should increase awareness on the negative effects of violence against children especially child defilement and sexual abuse within every community in order to challenge the normalization of violence. 2. National action plans should be implemented in order to meet the global goals on Sustainable Development on retaining the focus on protecting children from violence, abuse and exploitation 3. Parents and caregivers should be provided with parenting guidance on how to address issues relating to child violence and sexual abuse, whereas teachers should be given more training and orientation on how to ask children questions relating to child defilement and sexual abuse. 4. The Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ghana Education Service (GES) in conjunction with all school personnel (especially teachers) should make every effort to avoid using physical punishment and rely on nonviolent disciplinary methods to make the school a safe and protected environment. 5. Children especially girls should be counselled more on the need to voice out issues on child violence and sexual abuse to their parents/guardians and adults both at home and outside the home.

B. Beliefs and attitude 1. Parents/guardians and the general public should be educated on the different types of corporal punishment. emphasis should be placed on “hitting the child with any object such as a cane, hand, belt, whip, shoe etc” as a form of corporal punishment 2. Communities should be educated on the benefits of the institutionalization of children and also be encouraged to send less privileged children to such institutions when the need arises

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 85 86 STUDY REPORT REFERENCES

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 5. References

Adele D. Jones and Ena Trotman Jemmott. Child Sexual Abuse in Eastern Carribean. Perceptions of, Attitudes to, and Opinions on Child Sexual Abuse in the Eastern Caribbean. Published by the UNICEF Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, May, 2010 Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group, Measuring Violence against Children: Inventory and assessment of quantitative studies, Division of Data, Research and Policy, UNICEF, New York, 2014. Draucker, Claire Burke, Martsolf,Donna S. and Poole Candice (2009). Developing Distress Protocols for Research on Sensitive Topics. Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Susan M. Labott, Timothy P. Johnson, Michael Fendrich, Milwaukee Norah C. Feeny Case. Emotional Risks to Respondents in Survey Research: Some Empirical Evidence. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics. 2013 October; 8(4): 53–66. doi:10.1525/jer.2013.8.4.53 Mary Ann Powell; Nicola Taylor; Robyn Fitzgerald; Ann Graham; Donnah Anderson. Ethical Research Involving Children. https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/706 Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (2015). What you need to know about the Child and Family Welfare Policy Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (2014). Child Protection Baseline Research Report North Dakota Statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Study: 2005 Survey Results. Available online: http://www. ndsu.edu/ sdc/publications.htm

88 STUDY REPORT APPENDICES

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 6. Appendices

6.1 TABLES Disapproval of Violence against children in general

Table 6.11: Adult Respondents’ view of spouse/partners’ perception of Violence against Children by Type of EA

My spouse/ partner disapproves My spouse/ partner disapproves of physical violence of psychological violence

Type of EA Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % %

Rural 82.2 5.6 12.0 0.2 87.4 4.5 7.7 0.4

Urban 88.0 3.6 8.4 0.0 90.8 2.8 6.4 0.0

Total 84.5 4.8 10.5 0.1 88.8 3.8 7.2 0.2

Table 6.12: Adult Respondents’ view of spouse/partners’ perception of Violence against Children by gender

My spouse/ partner disapproves My spouse/ partner disapproves of physical violence of psychological violence

Not Gender Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree sure

% % % % % % % % Female 85.0 4.3 10.7 0.0 90.3 2.9 6.6 0.2 Male 84.0 5.9 9.8 0.4 85.2 5.9 8.6 0.4 Total 84.5 4.8 10.5 0.1 88.8 3.8 7.2 0.2

Table 6.13: Adult Respondents’ view of spouse/partners’ perception of Violence against Children by region

My spouse/ partner disapproves My spouse/ partner disapproves of psychological violence of physical violence

Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Region

% % % % % % % % 91.5 6.1 2.4 0.0 90.2 4.9 4.9 0.0 AR 90.8 1.0 8.2 0.0 89.8 1.0 9.2 0.0 BAR 82.3 0.0 17.7 0.0 94.8 1.0 3.1 1.0 CR 75.6 20.5 3.9 0.0 83.3. 7.7 9.0 0.0 ER 83.3 4.4 12.2 0.0 88.9 2.2 8.9 0.0 GAR 91.6 4.7 3.7 0.0 91.6 4.7 3.7 0.0 NR 77.4 10.8 11.8 0.0 83.9 9.7 6.5 0.0 UER 90.7 1.0 7.2 1.0 91.8 2.1 5.2 1.0 UWR 78.1 1.2 20.7 0.0 93.9 2.4 3.7 0.0 VR 82.4 0.0 17.7 0.0 78.8 2.4 18.8 0.0 WR 88.8 3.8 7.2 0.2 88.8 3.8 7.2 0.2 Total

90 STUDY REPORT Table 6.14: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among friends of adult respondents by type of EA

My friends disapprove of physical violence My friends disapprove of psychological violence Type of EA Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % Rural 69.9 12.2 11.0 6.9 75.0 10.5 7.4 7.1 Urban 74.4 9.3 7.1 9.1 74.6 9.9 5.6 9.9 Total 71.9 10.9 9.3 7.9 74.8 10.3 6.6 8.3

Table 6.15: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among friends of adult respondents by region

My friends disapproves of My friends disapprove of physical violence psychological violence

Not Region Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree sure % % % % % % % % AR 70.0 15.8 1.7 12.5 70.8 15.8 0.8 12.5 BAR 82.5 5.0 4.2 8.3 84.2 4.2 2.5 9.2 CR 68.3 15.0 12.5 4.2 75.8 14.2 3.3 6.7 ER 70.8 16.7 3.3 9.2 67.5 17.5 5.8 9.2 GAR 66.7 3.3 13.3 16.7 67.5 3.3 10.8 18.3 NR 80.0 7.5 7.5 5.0 82.5 5.8 6.7 5.0 UER 77.5 15.0 7.5 0.0 85.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 UWR 76.7 8.3 2.5 12.5 77.5 8.3 1.7 12.5 VR 57.5 15.8 20.0 6.7 71.7 15.0 6.7 6.7 WR 69.2 6.7 20.0 4.2 65.8 8.3 22.5 3.3 Total 71.9 10.9 9.3 7.9 74.8 10.3 6.6 8.3

Table 6.16: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among friends of adult respondents by gender

My friends disapprove of My friends disapprove of psychological violence physical violence

Gender Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % Female 76.1 10.0 12.1 1.8 75.1 10.2 13.2 1.4 Male 83.7 4.7 10.0 1.7 80.7 5.3 12.3 1.7 Total 71.9 10.9 9.3 7.9 74.8 10.3 6.6 8.3

Table 6.17: Adult Respondents’ view of the Community’s pperception of violence against children by type of EA

People in my community disapprove People in my community disapprove of of physical violence psychological violence Type of EA Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % % % % % % Rural 64.6 14.2 12.8 8.4 66.1 14.3 10.7 8.9 Urban 65.7 13.3 11.9 9.1 63.3 14.0 13.1 9.7 Total 65.1 13.8 12.4 8.8 64.8 14.2 11.8 9.3

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 91 Table 6.18: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among community members by gender

People in my community People in my community disapprove of disapprove of physical violence psychological violence

Gender Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % %

Female 64.3 13.3 13.3 9.3 65.0 13.8 11.6 9.7

Male 67.3 15.0 10.7 7.0 64.3 15.3 12.3 8.0

Total 65.1 13.8 12.4 8.8 64.8 14.2 11.8 9.3

Table 6.19: Perception of disapproval of physical and psychological violence against children among community members by region

People in my community disapprove People in my community disapprove of physical violence of psychological violence

Region Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % AR 70.8 15.0 5.8 8.3 72.5 13.3 5.0 9.2 BAR 75.8 9.2 4.2 10.8 73.3 9.2 6.7 10.8 CR 65.8 13.3 14.2 6.7 60.8 14.2 15.8 9.2 ER 62.5 19.2 6.7 11.7 58.3 19.2 10.8 11.7 GAR 61.7 9.2 17.5 11.7 57.5 10.8 20.0 11.7 NR 56.7 24.2 5.8 13.3 65.0 15.8 5.8 13.3 UER 74.2 19.2 4.2 2.5 81.7 13.3 2.5 2.5 UWR 75.8 8.3 6.7 9.2 74.2 10.8 5.0 10.0 VR 49.2 13.3 32.5 5.0 47.5 28.3 18.3 5.8 WR 58.3 6.7 26.7 8.3 57.5 6.7 27.5 8.3 Total 65.1 13.8 12.4 8.8 64.8 14.2 11.8 9.3

Table 6.110: Adult Respondents’ self assessment of own ability to reduce violence against children by EA

I feel I can do something about I feel I can do something about reducing reducing physical violence against psychological violence against children children Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total N = 664 N = 536 N = 664 N = 536 % % % % % % Agree 77.4 78.7 78.0 76.2 76.9 76.5 Neutral 8.7 8.6 8.7 8.6 9.5 9.0 Disagree 12.8 10.1 11.6 14.3 11.4 13.0 Don’t Know/Not Sure 1.1 2.6 1.8 0.9 2.2 1.5

92 STUDY REPORT Table 6.111: Adult Respondents’ self assessment of own ability to reduce violence against children by region

I feel I can do something about reducing physical I feel I can do something about reducing violence against children psychological violence against children

Region Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % AR 85.8 10.0 3.3 0.8 85.0 10.8 4.2 0.0 BAR 90.0 1.7 8.3 0.0 90.0 0.8 9.2 0.0 CR 79.2 5.8 15.0 0.0 75.0 8.3 16.7 0.0 ER 84.2 14.2 1.7 0.0 83.3 15.0 1.7 0.0 GAR 71.7 10.8 8.3 9.2 70.8 10.0 10.8 8.3 NR 85.8 9.2 5.0 0.0 86.7 8.3 5.0 0.0 UER 70.8 15.8 13.3 0.0 70.0 15.0 15.0 0.0 UWR 66.7 5.0 23.3 5.0 65.8 5.8 23.3 5.0 VR 76.7 9.2 14.2 0.0 77.5 7.5 15.0 0.0 WR 69.2 5.0 23.3 2.5 60.8 8.3 29.2 1.7 Total 78.0 8.7 11.6 1.8 76.5 9.0 13.0 1.5

Table 6.112: Child Respondents’ perception of disapproval of violence against children among parents/guardian and friends by region

Parents/guardian disapprove Friends disapprove

Region Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure

% % % % % % % % AR 95.6 3.3 1.1 0.0 87.8 6.7 1.1 4.4 BAR 92.2 0.0 7.8 0.0 88.9 6.7 2.2 2.2 CR 94.4 4.4 0.0 1.1 88.9 4.4 1.1 5.6 ER 88.9 6.7 2.2 2.2 90.0 7.8 1.1 1.1 GAR 82.2 5.6 8.9 3.3 75.6 12.2 8.9 3.3 NR 88.9 3.3 6.7 1.1 91.1 4.4 4.4 0.0 UER 86.7 4.4 8.9 0.0 86.7 1.1 11.1 1.1 UWR 95.6 2.2 1.1 1.1 84.4 5.6 1.1 3.3 VR 90.0 1.1 5.6 3.3 90.0 5.6 1.1 3.3 WR 80.0 1.1 17.8 1.1 84.4 4.4 10.0 1.1 Total 89.4 3.2 6.0 1.3 86.8 5.9 4.7 2.7

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 93 POSITIVE CHILD DISCIPLINE Table 6.113: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by type of EA

When a child does something wrong, explain to the child what he/she did A parent/guardian must spend time interacting with and wrong, and show the child how to set paying attention to the needs (quality time) of children things right Child Respondent Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % % % % % % Rural 82.8 7.8 7.8 1.6 79.6 10.0 9.0 1.4 Urban 84.4 6.2 8.5 1.0 82.6 7.4 7.7 2.3 Total 83.4 7.1 8.1 1.3 80.9 8.9 8.4 1.8 Adult Respondent Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % % % % % % Rural 85.0 9.3 4.2 1.5 83.4 8.4 5.1 3.0 Urban 82.5 9.1 5.2 3.2 81.0 9.0 6.2 3.9 Total 83.3 9.3 4.7 2.3 82.3 8.7 5.6 3.4

Table 6.114: Community’s perception on positive child discipline by gender

When a child does something wrong, explain A parent/guardian must spend time to the child what he/she did wrong, and interacting with and paying attention to show the child how to set things right the needs (quality time) of children

Child Respondent Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % % % % % % Female 83.4 7.4 7.6 1.6 79.4 10.4 8.4 1.8 Male 83.5 6.7 8.7 1.0 82.8 7.0 8.5 1.8 Total 83.4 7.1 8.1 1.3 80.9 8.9 8.4 1.8 Adult Respondent Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure Agree Neutral Disagree Not sure % % % % % % % % Female 83.9 9.0 5.1 2.0 82.4 8.8 4.9 3.9 Male 83.7 10.0 3.3 3.0 82.0 8.3 7.7 2.0 Total 83.3 9.3 4.7 2.3 82.3 8.7 5.6 3.4

94 STUDY REPORT 6.2 LIST OF ENUMERATION AREAS

Upper West Region No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Wa West (Wechiau) Chabara (Bandanyiri) Rural 2 Wa West (Wechiau) Lassia-Tuolu Rural 3 Wa West (Wechiau) Varinpare Rural 4 Wa Municipal Kagu Rural 5 Wa Municipal Charia Rural 6 Wa East Tiissaa Rural 7 Wa East Bonaa Rural 8 Wa East Yaala No.2 Rural 9 Sissala East Sentie Rural 10 Sissala East Pina Rural 11 Nadowli Kaleo Kaleo Rural 12 Nadowli Kaleo Gabilli Rural 13 Nadowli Kaleo Konkonpare Rural 14 Jirapa Kenee Rural 15 Jirapa Nimbare Rural 16 Jirapa Degri Rural 17 Sissala West (Gwollu) Pulima Rural 18 Sissala West (Gwollu) Kankanduli Rural 19 Lambussie Karni Sentu Rural 20 Lambussie Karni Dahili Rural 21 Lawra Tungula Rural 22 Lawra Nawayele Rural 23 Daffiama Bussie (Issa) - Nadowli Wogu Rural 24 Nandom – Lawra Tokuo Rural 25 Nandom – Lawra Nandomle Rural 26 Wa municipal WA - Kpanguri Rural 27 Wa municipal Wa - Jangbayiri Rural 28 Wa municipal Wa - Bamabiriyiri Rural 29 Sissala East Tumu Rural 30 Lambussie Karni Hamile Urban

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 95 Upper East Region

No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Builsa South Balansa Bammonsa Rural 2 Kasena Nankana West (Paga) Kalevio Neyenia Rural 3 Kasena Nankana West (Paga) Kandiga Akuka Rural 4 Kasena Nankana East (Navrongo) Kologo Zuo Rural 5 Kasena Nankana East (Navrongo) Nayagenia Rural 6 Kasena Nankana East (Navrongo) Sirigu Dazongo Rural 7 Bolgatanga municipal Zuarungu Daboro Rural 8 Bolgatanga Yorogo Konkoa Rural 9 Talensi (Tongo) - Talensi - Nabdam Zorya-Yirane Rural 10 Talensi (Tongo) Datoko Kuzou (Korezoa) Rural 11 Bongo Gowrie Nayire Yirepala Rural 12 Bongo Zoko Atiabiisi Rural 13 Bongo Feo Asabagabiisi Rural 14 Bawku West Tanga Kpalsako Rural 15 Bawku West Yarigu Rural 16 Garu Tempane Menatinga Rural 17 Garu Tempane Segure Rural 18 Garu Tempane Tarivago Rural 19 Bawku municipal Baribari Rural 20 Builsa North (Fumbisi) Jagsa-Guuta Rural 21 Nabdam (Nangodi) - Talensi-Nabdam Logre Nayire Rural 22 Binduri - Bawku municipal Gowre Rural 23 Binduri - Bawku municipal Zorsi Rural 24 Pusiga - Bawku municipal Kopeligo Asaama Nateng Rural 25 Kasena Nankana West (Paga) Paga Urban 26 Bolgatanga municipal Bolgatanga - Tindonsobulogu Urban 27 Bolgatanga municipal Bolgatanga - Tanzui Urban 28 Bolgatanga municipal Bolgatanga - Zaare Urban 29 Bawku municipal Zuli Urban 30 Bawku municipal Bawku - Kpalugu Urban

96 STUDY REPORT Northern Region No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Bole Baale Rural 2 Sawla Tuna Kalba Tabiene Number 1 Rural 3 Cental Gonja Kabilpe Rural 4 East Gonja Adawuvikope Rural 5 Kpandai Lonto Rural 6 Kpandai Kumdi Rural 7 Nanumba South Binda Rural 8 Nanumba North Tandaling Rural 9 Yendi municipal Kanjokura (Dulnyado) Rural 10 Tamale Metropoliatan Assembly Nakpanzuo Rural (Tamale South, Tamale Central) 11 Savelugu Nanton Kpanvorkura Rural 12 Karaga Monkula Rural 13 Gushiegu Pabuni Rural 14 Saboba Ugando Rural 15 Bunkpurugu Yunyoo Jablajo Rural 16 Bunkpurugu Yunyoo Kugri Rural 17 West Mamprusi Nasia Rural 18 North Gonja - West Gonja Gbasimpa No.1 Rural 19 Sagnerigu - Tamale Metropolis Education Ridge Rural 20 Mion (Sang) –Yendi Worivi Rural 21 Mamprugu Moagduri (Yagaba) Kusobi Rural - West Mamprusi 22 Bole Bole Urban 23 East Gonja Salaga Urban 24 Zabzugu Zabzugu Urban 25 Tamale Metropoliatan Assembly Nyohini Urban (Tamale South, Tamale Central) 26 Tamale Metropoliatan Assembly Zogbeli Urban (Tamale South, Tamale Central) 27 Tamale Metropoliatan Assembly Gumbihini Urban (Tamale South, Tamale Central) 28 Gushiegu Gushiegu Urban 29 West Mamprusi Kparigu Urban 30 Sagnerigu - Tamale Metropolis Kanvilli Urban

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 97 Brong Ahafo Region

No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Asunafo South Noberkaw Rural 2 Asunafo North Jerusalem Rural 3 Dormaa Central -Dormaa municipal Aboabo No. 2 Rural 4 Tano South Kwaakrukrom Rural 5 Tano North Abuukrom Rural 6 Berekum municipal Botokrom Rural 7 Jaman South Tekese Rural 8 Tain (Nsawkaw) Bepoase Rural 9 Wenchi municipal Amponsa Krom Rural 10 Nkoranza South Kwaease Rural 11 Nkoranza North Nipahiamoa Rural 12 Sene West (Kwame Danso) Bantama Rural 13 Pru (Yeji) Blenkente Gamor Rural 14 Kintampo South (Jema) Krabonso Rural 15 Asutifi South (Hwidiem) Tettehkrom (Apotoyewa) Rural 16 Techiman North Buoyem Rural 17 Asunafo South Kukuom Urban 18 Dormaa Central -Dormaa municipal Dormaa Ahenkro Urban 19 Tano South Bechem Urban 20 Sunyani municipal Abesim Urban 21 Sunyani municipal Sunyani Urban 22 Sunyani West Nsuatre Urban 23 Berekum municipal Berekum Urban 24 Jaman North (Sampa) Sampa Urban 25 Techiman Municipal Tanoso Urban 26 Techiman Municipal Takofiano Urban 27 Nkoranza North (Busunya) Dromankese Urban 28 Pru (Yeji) Yeji Urban 29 Kintampo North Portor Urban 30 Sene Ningokope (Gakope) Urban

98 STUDY REPORT

Eastern Region

No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Birim South Aperade Railway Station Rural 2 Birim Central Oda Nkwanta Rural 3 Suhum - Suhum/Kraboa Coaltar Omenako Rural 4 Akwapim North New Mangoase Rural 5 Yilo Krobo Sawer Rural 6 Asuogyaman (Atimpoku) Akwamufie Rural 7 Upper Manya Krobo Aworworso Ngbetey Rural 8 Fanteakwa (Begoro) Tromeleveme Rural 9 Kwaebibirem (Kade) Abodom Rural 10 Akyemansa Odumase Rural 11 Atiwa Tumfa Rural 12 Kwahu West (Nkawkaw) Ampekrom Rural 13 Kwahu East Mmepe Masem Rural 14 Kwahu Affram Plains North Kamalo Rural (Donkorkrom) - Kwahu North 15 Upper West Akim - West Akim Krodua Station Rural 16 Ayensuano - Suhum/Kraboa Coaltar Kofi Pare Rural 17 Birim Central Akim Akroso Urban 18 Birim Central Akim Oda Urban 19 Suhum - Suhum/Kraboa Coaltar Suhum Urban 20 Akwapim North Larteh Urban 21 New Juaben municipal (Koforidua) Koforidua Urban 22 New Juaben municipal (Koforidua) Effiduase Urban 23 Lower Manya Krobo (Odumasi-Krobo) Nuaso Urban 24 Fanteakwa (Begoro) Osino Urban 25 East Akim New Tafo Urban 26 Akyemansa Abenase Urban 27 Kwahu West (Nkawkaw) Nkawkaw Urban 28 Kwahu Affram Plains North Donkorkrom Urban (Donkorkrom) - Kwahu North 29 Denkyembuor (Akwatia) Boadua Urban 30 Kwaebibirem Topremang Urban

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 99 Western Region No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Jomoro Takinta Rural 2 Ellembelle Teleku Bokazo Rural 3 Ahanta West New Akwidaa Rural 4 Ahanta West Afrapokrom Rural 5 Wassa East - Mpohor Wassa East Sekyere Krobo Rural 6 Tarkwa Nsuaem Dompim-Pepesa Rural 7 Prestea/Huni Valley Obuoho Rural 8 Wassa Amenfi East Wuwuso Rural 9 Amenfi West Woman No Good Rural 10 Enchi - Aowin/Suaman Ohiamaadwen Rural 11 Sefwi Akontombra Essase Rural 12 Sefwi Wiawso Kokokrom Rural 13 Sefwi Bibiani-Ahwiaso Bekwai Asawinso Rural 14 Juaboso/Juabeso Yeabediagoro Rural 15 Bia West Kojoaba Rural 16 Bodie – Juabeso Kwafukaa Rural 17 Jomoro Half Assini Urban 18 Nzema East Axim Urban 19 Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly West Tanokrom Urban (Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan) 20 Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Effiakuma Urban (Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan) 21 Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Anaji Urban (Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan) 22 Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Takoradi Urban (Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan) 23 Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Ekuase Urban (Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan) 24 Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Essikado Urban (Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan) 25 Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Ahenkofikrom Urban (Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan) 26 Shama Abuesi Urban 27 Prestea/Huni Valley Prestea Urban 28 Enchi - Aowin/Suaman Enchi Urban 29 Sefwi Bibiani-Ahwiaso Bekwai Awaso Urban 30 Wassa Amenfi East Akwaboa Rural

100 STUDY REPORT Central Region No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Elmina (Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem) Kofor Rural 2 Cape Coast Metropolis (Cape Coast North, Nkanfoa Rural Cape Coast South) 3 Dunkwa (Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese) Afrangua Rural 4 Mfantsiman municipal (Saltpond) Baifikrom Rural 5 Ajumaku Enyan Essiam Assasan Rural 6 Gomoa West Gomoa Adaa Rural 7 Gomoa East Adewukwa Rural 8 Gomoa East Gomoa Akropong No. 2 Rural 9 Agona East Otwekrom Rural 10 Asikuma Odoben Brakwa Breman Nwomaso Rural 11 Assin South Amoaben Rural 12 Assin South Dominase Rural 13 Assin North Anumfom Rural 14 Twifo Praso Ayiase Rural 15 Upper Denkyira West (Diaso) Agona (Portuguese) Rural 16 Ekumfi (Mfantsiman) Ebiram (Ebiramkrom) Rural 17 Cape Coast Metropolis (Cape Coast North, Cape Coast (Fraga Oil Urban Cape Coast South) Filling Station) 18 Cape Coast Metropolis (Cape Coast North, Cape Coast (Adisadel) Urban Cape Coast South) 19 Dunkwa (Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese) Abura-Dunkwa Urban 20 Mfantsiman municipal (Saltpond) Mankessim Urban 21 Ajumaku Enyan Essiam Besease Urban 22 Effutu Municipal Winneba Urban 23 Gomoa East Nyanyano Kakraba Urban 24 Gomoa East Buduburam Urban 25 Agona East Agona Kwanyako Urban 26 Agona West municipal (Swedru) Agona Swedru Urban 27 Asikuma Odoben Brakwa Breman Odoben Urban 28 Assin North Municipal (Assin Foso) Assin Bereku Urban 29 Awutu Senya East (Kasoa) Oduponkpehe-Kasoa Urban 30 Awutu Senya East (Kasoa) Ofaakor Urban

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 101 Volta Region No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 South Tongu Lolito Rural 2 Keta Municipal Srogbe Rural 3 Ketu South Adina Rural 4 Ketu South Wutsime Rural 5 Ketu North (Keta North) Tadzewu Rural 6 Akatsi South Ahlihadzi Rural 7 Central Tongu (Adidome) Mafi Agoe Rural 8 Ho municipal Akoepe Gadza Rural 9 Kpando Klutse Kope Rural 10 Hohoe Gbi Atabu Rural 11 Biakoye Bowiri Kyiriahi Rural 12 Kadjebi Asato - Kosamba Rural 13 Krachi East Afadakope Rural 14 Nkwanta South Kpena (Kpene) Rural 15 Nkwanta North Tinjase Rural 16 Adidome Mafi Jasikan Rural 17 Afadjato South (Hohoe) Ve Golokuati Urban 18 Ho West (Ho) Abuatia - Kissiflui Rural 19 Ho West (Ho) Amedzofe Rural 20 Afadjato South (Hohoe) Leklebi Agbesia Rural 21 North Dayi (Kpando) Aveme Danyigba Rural 22 Keta Municipal Tegbi Urban 23 Ketu South Avoeme Urban 24 Ketu North Dzodze Urban 25 Ho Ho (Heve) Urban 26 Ho Ho (Bankoe) Urban 27 Kpando Kpando Urban 28 Hohoe Hohoe Urban 29 Jasikan Jasikan Urban (Bueman Sec School) 30 Nkwanta South Nkwanta (Market) Urban

102 STUDY REPORT Greater Accra Region No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural 1 Ga South Nsuobiri Rural 2 Adentan Municipal Adjirigano Rural 3 Ada West - Dangbe East Akplabanya Urban 4 Kpone Katamanso Oyibi Rural 5 Ga South Ngleshie Urban Amanfro 6 Ga South Mallam Urban 7 Ga West New Achimota Urban 8 Ga East Dome Urban 9 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Gbegbeyise Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 10 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Dansoman Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 11 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Russia Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 12 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Abbossey Okai Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 13 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Adedenkpo Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 14 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Adabraka Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North)

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 103 Greater Accra Region

No. District/Municipal Name EA Name Urban/Rural

15 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Mamobi Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 16 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, New Town Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 17 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Avenor Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 18 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, North Odorkor Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 19 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, New Fadama Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 20 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Abeka Lapaz Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 21 Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Ablekuma South, Dzorwulu Urban Ablekuma Central, Ashiedu Keteke, Osu Klottey, Ayawaso East, West, Central, Okai Koi South North, Ablekuma North) 22 Ledwokuku Krowor - Nii Borkwei Kpee We Nungua Urban 23 Ledwokuku Krowor - Queensland International School Nungua Urban 24 Ashiaman Ashaiman Urban 25 Tema Metropolitan Assembly (Tema West, Tema East) Tema Urban Community 2 26 Tema Metropolitan Assembly (Tema West, Tema East) Tema Urban Newtown 27 Tema Metropolitan Assembly (Tema West, Tema East) Ada Foah Urban 28 LA Dadekotopon - Accra Metropolitan Assembly South La Urban 29 LA Dadekotopon - Accra Metropolitan Assembly La Urban 30 LA Nkwantanang - Ga East Madina Urban

104 STUDY REPORT For the full report, please contact:

United Nations Children’s Fund Ghana Country Office 4-8 Rangoon Close, Cantonments P.O. Box AN 5051, Accra, Ghana

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION RELATED ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN GHANA 105