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Study Design, Research Methods, and Ethical Considerations When Measuring Violence Against Children among Young
Anna McCarthy1, Franziska Meinck1,2,3, Hannabeth Franchino-Olsen1,4
1University of Edinburgh, UK.
Trauma, Violence & Abuse
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Engaging young children in violence against children (VAC) research is feasible. This review outlines methods and ethical practices for effective child participation in VAC studies, crucial for informed interventions.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Public Health
- Research Ethics
Background:
- Violence against children (VAC) is a significant global health concern.
- Child participant perspectives are vital for effective policy and interventions.
- Understanding how to engage young children in VAC research is currently limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map study designs, research methods, and ethical practices in VAC research involving children aged 2 to 12.
- To identify effective strategies for engaging young children as participants in violence research.
- To inform future research practices in the field of child protection.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted, searching eleven databases, gray literature, and expert recommendations.
- Inclusion criteria focused on data collection with children aged 2-12 regarding violence experiences.
- Data from 21 empirical studies and 14 guidance articles were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Engaging young children in VAC research is possible through safe environments and child-specific methods.
- Key practices include managing gatekeepers, training interviewers, obtaining child consent, and establishing referral protocols.
- A compilation of effective study designs, methods, and ethical protocols was developed.
Conclusions:
- This scoping review provides a practical guide for researchers to engage young children in VAC studies.
- Implementing these methods can enhance the representation of children's voices in violence research.
- This work contributes to advancing efforts to end violence against children globally.
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