Janis Carroll-Lind
Doctor of Philosophy, (Education)
Study Completed: 2007
College of Education
Citation
Thesis Title
Children's Perceptions of Violence: The Nature, Extent, and Impact of their Experiences
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Ms Carroll-Lind examined children’s perceptions of the prevalence, incidence, and impact of violence experienced or witnessed by them and explored factors that might reduce its impact. A national, representative survey of 2077 children, aged 9 to 13 years, from 28 randomly selected schools was undertaken. Results showed emotional violence was the most prevalent and had more impact on children than physical violence. Sexual violence had the most overall impact. Witnessing violence was more prevalent and, except for sexual victimisation, also had greater impact than direct violence. All types of violence involving adults were rated higher than violence involving children. Guided by Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the results support the controversial ethical decision to adopt a passive consent procedure. Effective development of policy and provision should be based on data reflecting children’s perceptions of violence in the context of their own lives.
Supervisors
Professor James Chapman
Dr Janet Gregory