Utilizing Violence against Children Surveys for Violence Prevention and HIV Programming: Lessons Learned for Translating Data into Action

Background: One billion children—half the children in the world— experience violence every year.(1) Over their lifetime, these children are at increased risk of poor health outcomes such as mental illness, delayed cognitive development and anxiety disorders, chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, infectious diseases such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and social problems.(1) More specifically, the literature has established clear associations between violence against children (VAC) and their subsequent development of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).(2–19) Over twenty countries have conducted the Violence Against Children Survey (VACS). A key component of VACS is using the resulting data to guide action and policy changes. We have learned that children who are survivors of violence are more likely to become perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) later in life.(20,21) The literature also tells us that exposure to IPV increases one’s risk for STI and HIV risk infection.(22,23) Dissertation Research Question: How to utilize VACS for violence prevention and HIV programming: what lessons and best practices should be considered for translating data into action? Results: We have learned from Kenya’s success story that if countries make the commitment, the VACS findings coupled with interventions that align with evidence-based INSPIRE strategies could protect children and significantly reduce VAC.(24–28) Moreover, VACS data can guide eligibility for and support expansion of HIV prevention programs, offer information on HIV infection of respondents along with their health seeking behaviors. Moreover, countries have used the VACS successfully to test for HIV, link people living with HIV (PLHIV) to treatment and psychosocial support, serve as an indicator for enrolling respondents into specialized HIV programs for young women, and to guide annual President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program planning. Discussion: There are some key elements to translate the VACS findings for meaningful impact: 1) multi-sectoral coordination; 2) country ownership for enhanced engagement and data use; 3) local research collaboration; 4) funding to support the national response; 5) holistic response strategies, programs, and policies to address the various life domains, using evidence-based strategies (INSPIRE); 6) engagement of civil society organizations; and 7) an integrated monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.Doctor of Public Healt