Predictors of Physical Violence Against Children and Youth in Rwanda: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: The prevention of violence against children and youth in Rwanda has often been challenged by the lack of data. To solve that challenge, a national survey on violence was done in 2015-2016 among female and male children and youth aged 13-24. Data from that national survey were used to assess prevalence and predictors of physical violence(PV) against children and youth in Rwanda. Methods A nationally representative sample of 2,159 respodents from the Rwanda survey was analyzed. Descriptive statistics assessed the prevalence of PV against children and youth; and logistic regression models investigated predictors of physical violence in that population. Results Over two in ten children and youth (23.4%, 95% CI [21.2-25.8]) reported experiences of any form of PV in the last twelve months before the survey. Reported PV was two times higher (15.7, 95% CI [13.7-17.9]) in children and youth attending school than in those not attending school (7.7%, 95% CI [6.4-9.2]); and the likelihoods of reporting PV were higher (aOR: 2.0, 95% CI [1.5-2.6]) among children and youth attending school than in those not attending school. Conclusions There is a need to increase efforts in preventing violence against children and youth happening around school in Rwanda.