Étude sur la maltraitance des enfants dans les familles au Togo et réflexion sur les normes éducatives

The objectives have been to analyse the perception of the educational norms by head of families and to determine the prevalence of the child maltreatment in Togo. It was a transversal study in 12 health districts selected at random. The parameters of study have been the socio-demographic data got from the people questioned, the nature of violence and their consequences. All the punishment has been considered by the head of families as good ways to educate children. But 92% consider there is still maltreatment if the punishment has lead to serious immediate consequences. Seventy-five percent of children were maltreated in the 12 passed months. All have been beaten, while 22% concerned by child labour, 2,2% by early marriage, 67% by parents carelessness, and 4,9% of the girls by sexual abuse. Ignorance of the head of families, the tradition and numerous families has been the main associated factors. An emphasis on the sensitisation of the population is very necessary, the same as the training of childhood professionals and the staff of the institutions that are in charge of the violence.