Prevention of violence against children: a qualitative exploration of Colombian policymakers', program facilitators', and caregivers' perceptions

Violence against children (VAC) is a global public health and human rights issue that can lead to long-lasting negative consequences on individual and societal outcomes. While extensive evidence indicates that parenting programs might be effective in preventing VAC, there are several unsolved questions on how to ensure interventions are acceptable, feasible, effective, and sustainable, particularly in low- and- middle income countries (LMICs). In this study, we report findings from a qualitative examination of policymakers’ (N=10), early childhood and parenting program facilitators’ (N=20), and parents’ and other caregivers’ (N=38) perspectives on VAC prevention to examine the implementation ecosystem of parenting programs in Colombia, including contextual risk and protection factors, features of existing programs, and stakeholders’ needs. We conducted interviews and focus groups using a semi-structured format, along a thematic approach to analyze the data from each group of participants (i.e., policymakers, facilitators, and caregivers) independently. Overall, the data revealed the critical role of intersecting and interacting factors at the micro (e.g., caregivers’ capabilities and beliefs), meso (e.g., program content and delivery approaches), and macro (e.g., policymakers’ vision and existing infrastructure) levels in exacerbating risks/imposing barriers vs. protecting/promoting VAC prevention. Collectively, these findings provide evidence on the implementation ecosystem of prevention programs in Colombia to inform the design of novel strategies and programs aimed at preventing violence and promoting families’ wellbeing and young children’s development.