Community Attitude on INSPIRE Strategies for Mitigating Violence Against Children. A Case of Mbeya City Council

Violence against children (VAC) is a serious issue in Tanzania and globally at large. Factors for its occurrence are known and community participation is highly recommended and needed in VAC prevention. Violence against children can be prevented if the global community acts now, acts wisely and acts together. Implementation and enforcement of laws, norms and values, safe environments, parent and caregiver support, income and economic strengthening, response and support services, and education and life skills (INSPIRE) are vital strategies for this success. This study assessed the community’s participation in the implementation of INSPIRE strategies in Mbeya City. A hundred randomly selected community members and 9 key informants were selected based on the stake they had. Community surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and documentary reviews were used in data collection. The Statistical Product for Service Solution (IBM-SPSS) version 20 was used to analyze quantitative data through descriptive and inferential statistics (factor analysis). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study reveals that; community members had positive attitudes on INSPIRE strategies with moderate practices. However, interference from the witnesses, rate of reporting and exposing perpetrators were reported as resulting from fear of being blamed for the consequences especially when VAC cases reach at police or the courts of law. The study concluded that the community’s positive attitude toward INSPIRE strategies is influenced by a moderate level of awareness. The study recommends that; the community’s awareness and capacity building should continue to enhance positive attitudes and improve practices to stop VAC.