Effect of Demographic Characteristics on Students’ Awareness and perceptions regarding Child Abuse at University Leve

Abstract

Current study aims to explore supportive system, and prevention about child abuse perceived by university students. Undergraduate university students were the participants of the study. Four hundred undergraduate students were selected from six universities as sample. The students belonged to first two years of their degree program and were in the age range 19-22. Students of 19+, 20+, and 20+ age groups were 30.3 %, 35.3, and 34.5 respectively. The instrument comprises 33 statements on 5 point likert type scale regarding awareness, supportive environment and prevention about child abuse and physical, emotional, and sexual abuses. They agree that child abuse prevention education may expose too much information to children (M = 3.96) and it is embarrassing to discuss issues related to child abuse (M = 3.63) but it is beneficial to discuss publicly about child abuse to prevent child abuse (M = 4.28). A connection exists between awareness of child abuse and its prevention which supports the results of prior studies that most of them showed that child abuse and neglect is passed on from one generation to next generation and we can stop this only through education or awareness. It is suggested to prevent child abuse by educating children in school and college and creating parental awareness. For this purpose it must be discussed publicly through seminars, conferences and programs.