INSPIRE: Seven Strategies for Ending Violence Against Children from edX

An analysis of nationally representative survey data on the prevalence of violence against children in 96 countries estimates that 1 billion children globally – over half of all children aged 2–17 years – have experienced emotional, physical or sexual violence in the past year. Despite its high prevalence, violence against children is often hidden, unseen or under-reported. Its hidden nature is well documented – for example, a meta-analysis of global data finds self-reported child sexual abuse 30 times higher and physical abuse 75 times higher than official reports would suggest.

The immediate and long-term public health consequences and economic costs of violence against children undermine investments in education, health, and child well-being, and erode the productive capacity of future generations. Exposure to violence at an early age can impair brain development and damage other parts of the nervous system, as well as the endocrine, circulatory, musculoskeletal, reproductive, respiratory and immune systems, with lifelong consequences. Strong evidence shows that violence in childhood increases the risks of injury; HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; mental health problems; delayed cognitive development; poor school performance and dropout; early pregnancy; reproductive health problems; and communicable and noncommunicable disease.

INSPIRE is an evidence-based resource for everyone committed to preventing and responding to violence against children and adolescents – from government to grassroots, and from civil society to the private sector. This MOOC represents a select group of strategies based on the best available evidence to help countries and communities intensify their focus on the prevention programmes and services with the greatest potential to reduce violence against children.

The seven strategies are:

I mplementation and enforcement of laws
N orms and values
S afe environments
P arent and caregiver support
I ncome and economic strengthening
R esponse and support services
E ducation and life skills

This MOOC was developed by the Care and Protection of Children (CPC) Learning Network at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), End Violence Against Children: The Global Partnership; Together for Girls, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank, and multiple national and international civil society organizations (agencies with a long history of galvanizing a consistent, evidence-based approach to preventing violence against children). Additional contributions were provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

What's inside

Learning objective

Each module will introduce one of the seven strategies, discuss current evidence from the field, and provide an overview of approaches to implementation. child protection experts and practitioners from around the world will discuss their experiences with adapting the inspire strategies and guide you through various case studies and best practices.

Syllabus

End and Additional Resources on the Adaptation and Scale-up of INSPIRE Strategies

1) Introduction to INSPIRE; 7 Strategies for Ending Violence Against ChildrenHow the INSPIRE Technical Package Can HelpMagnitude of Violence Against ChildrenDefining Violence Against ChildrenConsequences and Costs of Violence Against ChildrenRoot Causes of Violence Against ChildrenUnderstanding the Evidence in INSPIREHow to Implement INSPIRE Strategies

2) Implementation and Enforcement of LawsHow Do Laws Serve a Child’s Right to be Protected From Violence?Laws Banning Violent Punishment of ChildrenLaws Criminalizing Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of ChildrenLaws That Prevent Alcohol MisuseLaws Limiting Youth Access to Firearms and Other Weapons

3) Norms and ValuesWhat Are Norms, Values, Gender Norms, and How Do They Influence Violence?Small Group ProgrammesCommunity Mobilization ProgrammesBystander Interventions

4) Safe EnvironmentsWhat is the Role of Safe Public Spaces in Promoting Children’s Well-being?Protecting Children in Online EnvironmentsReducing Violence by Addressing “Hot Spots”Interrupting the Spread of ViolenceImproving the Built Environment

5) Parent and Caregiver SupportImportance of Positive and Nurturing Families in Preventing Violence Against ChildrenParenting Groups in Community SettingsHome Visiting ProgrammesComprehensive Programmes

6) Income and Economic StrengtheningHow Does Family Economic Stability and Empowerment Reduce the Risk Factors for Violence Against Children?Cash TransfersGroup Savings and Loans Associations Combined with Gender-norms/Equity trainingMicrofinance combined with gender-norms/equity training

7) Response and Support ServicesWhat Are “Child Friendly” and “Gender Sensitive” Services?Goal 1: Have a System for Helping ChildrenGoal 2: Find Out Who Needs HelpGoal 3: Help Children, Immediately and in the Longer TermGoal 4: Protect Children in Conflict with the Law

8) Education and Life SkillsWhat is the Role of School Enrollment and School-Based Programs in Preventing Violence Against Children?Increase Participation in SchoolSafe and Enabling School EnvironmentsLife and Social Skills Training

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Develops responses, resources, and policy strategies to prevent and respond to violence against children, which is a highly relevant topic with well-documented negative physical and mental health impacts

Provides a comprehensive solution to address violence against children through a blend of laws, norms, environments, support services, and life skills education, offering a holistic approach

Includes input from the World Health Organization (WHO) and multiple national and international organizations, providing credibility and a global perspective

Taught by experts and practitioners from around the world, offering hands-on insights and case studies for practical implementation

Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of learners interested in violence prevention and child protection

Includes modules on implementation and enforcement of laws, norms and values, safe environments, parent and caregiver support, income and economic strengthening, response and support services, and education and life skills

Career center

Learners who complete INSPIRE: Seven Strategies for Ending Violence Against Children will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Child Protection Specialist

A Child Protection Specialist works with local governments and communities to develop laws, policies, and programs that protect children from violence and abuse. The INSPIRE course provides a comprehensive overview of the seven strategies that have been shown to be effective in reducing violence against children, making it an ideal resource for anyone working in this field. The course covers topics such as how to implement and enforce laws that protect children, how to change harmful norms and values, and how to create safe environments for children.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people who are facing difficult challenges, such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to develop and implement plans to improve their well-being. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Social Workers who work with children and families who have been affected by violence, as it provides a framework for understanding the root causes of violence and evidence-based strategies for preventing and responding to it.

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Child Psychologist

A Child Psychologist works with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. They help children to understand and cope with their experiences and to develop healthy coping mechanisms. The INSPIRE course provides valuable information about the impact of violence on children's mental health and development, and it offers strategies for helping children to heal and thrive.

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Public Health Educator

A Public Health Educator works to improve the health and well-being of communities by developing and implementing educational programs and materials. The INSPIRE course provides Public Health Educators with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and deliver effective violence prevention programs.

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Youth Development Specialist

A Youth Development Specialist works with young people to help them develop their skills and reach their full potential. They provide guidance and support to young people in areas such as education, career development, and leadership. The INSPIRE course can help Youth Development Specialists to understand the challenges that young people face and to develop programs that promote their safety and well-being.

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Teacher

A Teacher works with students to help them learn and grow. They create and deliver lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide support to students both inside and outside of the classroom. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Teachers who want to create a safe and supportive learning environment for their students, as it provides strategies for preventing and responding to violence.

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Counselor

A Counselor works with people who are facing difficult challenges, such as grief, loss, and addiction. They provide support and guidance to help people overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Counselors who work with people who have been affected by violence, as it provides a framework for understanding the impact of violence and evidence-based strategies for helping people to heal and thrive.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer represents clients in legal matters, such as criminal cases, civil disputes, and family law cases. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Lawyers who work on cases involving violence against children, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework for protecting children from violence.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research to study and analyze data in order to answer questions and solve problems. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Researchers who are studying violence against children, as it provides a framework for understanding the root causes of violence and evidence-based strategies for preventing and responding to it.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies to address public issues. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Policy Analysts who are working on policies to prevent violence against children, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence-based strategies that have been shown to be effective in reducing violence against children.

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Advocacy

An Advocacy works to promote the interests of a particular group of people. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Advocates who work to prevent violence against children, as it provides a framework for understanding the root causes of violence and evidence-based strategies for preventing and responding to it.

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Grant Writer

A Grant Writer writes proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations and other causes. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Grant Writers who work for organizations that are focused on preventing violence against children, as it provides a framework for understanding the evidence-based strategies that have been shown to be effective in reducing violence against children.

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Program Manager

A Program Manager plans and implements programs to achieve specific goals. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Program Managers who work on programs to prevent violence against children, as it provides a framework for understanding the evidence-based strategies that have been shown to be effective in reducing violence against children.

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Educator

An Educator helps people learn and develop. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Educators who work with children and families who have been affected by violence, as it provides a framework for understanding the impact of violence and evidence-based strategies for helping children and families to heal and thrive.

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Community Organizer

A Community Organizer works with community members to identify and address issues that are important to them. The INSPIRE course can be helpful for Community Organizers who work on issues related to violence against children, as it provides a framework for understanding the root causes of violence and evidence-based strategies for preventing and responding to it.

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Seven Strategies for Ending Violence Against Children

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