Examination of parents' sensitivity levels to violence against children during the COVID-19: A post-pandemic evaluation

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate parents' thoughts, and sensitivity levels about violence against children during the COVID-19 period after the pandemic.

Design and methods

The population of this descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational, and multicenter study consisted of parents registered in six family health centers in a city in southern Turkey. Study data were collected between April and November 2023 using information forms that included questions about parents' personal information, and their thoughts about violence against children during the pandemic and the Sensitivity to Violence Against Children Scale and analyzed.

Results

According to 42.3% of parents, children's exposure to violence increased during the pandemic; 64.7% stated that children experienced emotional violence the most. Parents who thought that there was a decrease in the reports of violence due to school closures, social distancing, and restriction of children's access to health, and social and legal services had higher SVACS mean scores than those who did not think so (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Most of the parents thought that children's exposure to violence increased and reports of violence decreased during the pandemic. In addition, parents' thoughts toward violence against children during the pandemic period were associated with their level of sensitivity to violence against children.

Implications for practice

During the pandemic period, it is important that pediatric nurses, who are in direct contact with children, are in contact with parents and take an active role in the process in the prevention, early detection and reporting of violence against children.