Obstacles, Controversies, and Prospects Surrounding Child Abuse Management in Addis Ababa

Corporal punishment by parents or guardians, family members, and relatives is an accepted cultural practice in Ethiopia. Aside from parents and other family members, many children are also abused (physically and sexually) by other persons who by chance meet them. At the same time, concerned institutions in Ethiopia are making efforts to reduce child abuse. This paper examines the situation of child abuse and its management in Addis Ababa, focusing on the challenges and controversies surrounding this social problem. It assesses pertinent issues involved in child abuse management based on information obtained from case studies of abused children and abusers, agents of the criminal justice system (the police, lawyers, and judges), health professionals, social workers, sociologists, psychologists, etc. Child abuse in Addis Ababa appears mainly related to general conditions of poverty. Further, the main problems in child abuse management seem to be the absence of coordination among various agents, and inadequate resources and institutional facilities.