Study Design, Research Methods, and Ethical Considerations When Measuring Violence Against Children among Young Children: A Scoping Review

05/08/2026

AI Summary

Engaging young children in VAC research is feasible by creating safe, child-friendly environments and using age-appropriate measures and engagement techniques.
Ethical practice requires trained interviewers, child assent and caregiver consent, management of adult gatekeepers, and clear referral protocols for safeguarding.
This scoping review maps study designs, methods and ethical protocols to guide future VAC research involving children aged two to twelve.

AI Summary

This scoping review maps the study design, research methods, and ethical practices undertaken in VAC research with children aged 2 to 12.

Engaging young children in VAC research was shown to be possible by creating a safe and comfortable research environment, using child-specific measures and engagement techniques, managing adult gatekeepers and participants, training interviewers, gaining consent from children, and establishing referral protocols.

By using the study designs, methods and ethical protocols compiled in this scoping review, future researchers can continue to engage young children in VAC research and expand our knowledge of children's experiences of violence in the movement to end VAC.

Basic summary

Trauma Violence Abuse. 2026 Aug 4:15248380261462176. doi: 10.1177/15248380261462176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Violence against children (VAC) is a global health issue. Research that includes child participants is essential for their perspectives to be fully represented in policy and interventions that affect them. There is a gap in our understanding of how VAC researchers have engaged with young children as participants. This scoping review maps the study design, research methods, and ethical practices undertaken in VAC research with children aged 2 to 12. Eleven databases were searched, in addition to gray literature and recommendations from the EndViolence Lab. Documents were assessed against inclusion criteria, including a focus on data collection with children aged 2 to 12 on experiences of violence. Both empirical studies and guidance articles and reports were included. Data extraction from 21 empirical studies and themes from 14 guidance articles were cross-referenced to further map current practices. Engaging young children in VAC research was shown to be possible by creating a safe and comfortable research environment, using child-specific measures and engagement techniques, managing adult gatekeepers and participants, training interviewers, gaining consent from children, and establishing referral protocols. By using the study designs, methods and ethical protocols compiled in this scoping review, future researchers can continue to engage young children in VAC research and expand our knowledge of children’s experiences of violence in the movement to end VAC.

PMID:42549692 | DOI:10.1177/15248380261462176

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