Violence against children in Syrian refugee camps and villages : The need for equitable solutions to a growing global health crisis

Background: Children experiencing social and material deprivation, such as those in refugee camps and villages displaced due to armed conflict in the global south, are at high risk of experiencing violence. Problematically, the lived experiences of refugee families are rarely accounted for in research, meaning causes and consequences of violence against children may be misunderstood and/or unidentified. This study is part of a larger research project conducted through international collaborative efforts in Lebanon to work with Syrian refugee families and identify areas for safety and injury prevention. We explore the question: “What are families’ perspectives on violence against children in refugee camps and villages?” Methods: We used a trauma- and violence-informed prevention lens and conducted semi-structured interviews with 90 families in 3 refugee camps and 4 villages. Results: Findings from a reflexive thematic analysis were twofold: (1) Xenophobia and exclusion; and (2) gender-based assault and vulnerability. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate ways in which trauma and violence prevention efforts, such as addressing social inequities shaping discrimination and gender-based assault, can reduce the risk of Syrian refugee children experiencing severe injuries and loss of life. We argue these efforts are necessary for equity-centered violence prevention practice in Lebanon and on a global scale.