Child-to-Parent-Violence: Towards an Effective Legislative Framework in Lesotho

Abstract

This qualitative study explored child-to-parent violence (CPV) in Maseru, Lesotho, focusing on various forms of CPV, challenges faced by parents in seeking justice, gaps in the legal framework, and best practices to address the issue. The research used a semi-structured interview methodology, involving parents, social workers, and legal professionals. Key forms of CPV identified include verbal abuse, emotional abuse, physical violence, financial exploitation, controlling behaviour, property damage, and rare instances of sexual violence. Challenges in seeking justice include social stigma, fear of retaliation, lack of awareness about legal rights, ineffective law enforcement, and inadequate legal protections. The legal framework shows critical gaps, with existing laws primarily focusing on child and spousal protection, often excluding parents from explicit protections. Successful strategies from other regions, including communitybased initiatives, legal reforms, and multidisciplinary approaches, were identified as effective in addressing and preventing CPV. Recommendations include developing specific legislation, implementing awareness campaigns, community-based initiatives, fostering collaboration between social services, law enforcement, healthcare, and legal professionals, and learning from international best practices and establishing partnerships with international organisations to leverage resources and expertise in addressing CPV.