The street children in Bangladesh are one of the most vulnerable populations, and are often subjected to various types of violence which affect their physical, emotional and social health. This paper undertakes the exploration of the prevalence, pathogenesis and possible interventions toward the prevention of violence against street children. Using a mixed method, quantitative data was collected using 120 street children in four city corporations of Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Chattogram, and the qualitative data was collected using eight in-depth case studies and four focus group discussions with street children, guardians, NGOs, and human rights activists. Results indicate that 86.67 percent of street children were verbally abused, 85.00 percent physically abused, 81.67 percent psychologically abused and 18.33 percent sexually abused, with other forms of abuse being coerced to engage in crime (20.00 percent) and engage in politics (25.00 percent). The major causes of violence are family instability, poverty, unemployment, inadequate education, social discrimination, poor enforcement of the law, and political lapse. Qualitative accounts emphasize the cumulative nature of structure, family, and socio-economic risks on the everyday life of children. The research suggests multi-level interventions that include family support, community awareness, education access, social protection initiatives, law enforcement reform and rehabilitation services. These are set to end the cycle of exploitation, protect rights and create a situation where street children can grow in a safe and dignified environment. The study provides empirical data to policy makers, NGOs and community members aiming at formulating comprehensive and locally based approaches in ensuring that street children are not victimized in Bangladesh.

DOI : http://doi.org/10.71253/jsd-iswr.dec25.34.1.02

Authors : Dr. Md. Nurul Islam and Dr. Sk. Tauhidul Islam

Keywords : Children, Street Children, Child Labor, Violence, Abuse, Harassments, Intervention, Bangladesh.