Commentary: Prevention of violence against children: a framework for progress in low- and middle-income countries

Violence against children has been the least reported, studied, and understood area of child injuries. Initial awareness emerged from international conferences and resolutions, followed by national policies and statements. More effective responses around the world will require action. Although previous calls for action have pointed to important activities (gathering of baseline data, passing of legal reforms, and providing services to those who experience violence), the agenda is limited. Data collection needs to be continuous, systematic, and sustainable, and should enable ongoing evaluation of intervention programs. An inter-sectoral approach to violence against children incorporating public health, criminal justice, social services, education, non-governmental organizations, media, and businesses is imperative if the growing burden is to be mitigated. Thus we offer a framework, building on earlier recommendations, to focus on four domains: national surveillance, intervention research, legislation and policy, and partnerships and collaboration.