In 2010, Kenya's first national Violence Against Children and Youth Survey revealed alarming statistics about the prevalence of physical, sexual, and emotional violence among boys and girls. A decade later the data told a different story. The power of data-driven action at a national level was proven for the first time, uncovering the efficacy of interventions to protect at-risk children.
Right now, the stakes could not be higher for millions of adolescent girls and young women. Sustained funding for PEPFAR means extending a lifeline by accessing services to help them heal and thrive, pursuing education while living HIV-free lives.
To prevent violence we must first understand it. Using our data with evidence-based frameworks allow governments to inform public health action to keep kids safe.
Violence is preventable. Banning child marriage has been achieved because of contributions from the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS). But greater investment is urgently needed to ensure that more data collection and other hard-fought wins continue.
With data from 23 countries we've successfully created evidence-based solutions to reduce violence against young girls, including ending child marriage and other harmful norms. See the VACS in action.
A recent ECSA-HC resolution prioritizing evidence-based action to stop childhood violence is a milestone for the sector with far-reaching implications for the region.