Violence against children. A Rights-Based Discourse

This book explores the situation of violence against children (VAC) inthe Caribbean context against an international backdrop. It examinesthe different dimensions of violence (direct, cultural and structural)and involves a sociological exploration of the factors that contributeto the high tolerance of violence that exists in the Caribbean region,with particular attention to Trinidad and Tobago. A deconstruction ofthe violence concept and its epistemological implications allows fora defining, refining and re-defining of the phenomenon.

The researchexamines the spheres of domestic violence, gender violence, violenceagainst street children, and corporal punishment in great detail.The research adopts a rights-based analysis of the issue of VAC andincorporates an international review; it imports field research fromBangladesh, Canada, Nicaragua, and the Netherlands context toinform the study. It conducts an evaluation of T&T’s standing withrespect to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rightsof the Child and puts forward sound recommendations for change.The multi-design approach uses qualitative and quantitative dataanalysis to assess the nation’s knowledge, attitudes, perceptions andbeliefs (KAPBs) on the issue of VAC. The ultimate aim of the researchis for its utilisation by everyone, especially state policy makers, topromote a ‘lowering’ of the threshold of violence- tolerance, therebyfostering a more child-friendly society.