Violations against Children in a National and International Perspective

Abstract

In his writings, Rosén does not at all discuss violations against children, although this certainly was common in his time. Actually, children have been beaten and maltreated since times immemorial - in their homes, as servants and in schools (1). Flogging used to be a corporal punishment in schools and was found to be a valuable disciplinary and pedagogic means. In the Swedish school laws from 1611 it was stated however, that due consideration should be given to those children who were intellectually or physically defect. In 1918 corporal punishment or abusive treatment became forbidden against older children but for younger children this could continue until 1958!

Not until 1979 Sweden introduced as the first country in the world a law forbidding corporal punishment at home and in 1990 Sweden ratified the UN Convention of the rights of the child. The Article 19 in this document states:“…to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or neglient treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse…” However, Article 14 neutralises to some extent this strong statement by saying that …”state parties shall respect the rights and duties of the parents to provide direction to the child in the excercise of his or her right”. In other words the parents may still have the right to corporal punishment if considered fit according to tradition or religion.

Maltreatment of children has been much in focus (mass media) in recent years. In 1999 in Sweden no less than 879 abused children 0-6 years were reported to the police and 5040 in the 7-14 age group (1). Most of these were not severe – but probably a large number are never reported. However, it would seem that it has decreased compared to the 1970s corporal punishment from about half of all children to about 1/5. In absolute number this is of course alarmingly many children, some of whom may retain painful memories to later in life.