Violence against children in Angola: the institutional response from the perspective of police intervention in Luanda province

Abstract

This article analyses the institutional response to violence against children in Luanda Province, Angola, from the perspective of police intervention, with a particular focus on the municipalities of Cacuaco and Viana. The study adopted a qualitative approach, drawing on a review of the literature and documentary sources, complemented by semi-structured interviews conducted with five police officers experienced in handling and referring cases involving child victims of violence. The collected data were subjected to content analysis. The findings reveal that child abandonment, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse are the most frequently reported forms of violence against children. The main contributing factors include alcoholism, poverty, family disintegration, unemployment, and harmful cultural beliefs, such as accusations of witchcraft against children. The study further demonstrates that the economic and emotional dependence of victims on their perpetrators contributes to the perpetuation of silence and hinders the reporting of cases. The results also indicate a lack of coordination between police action and local social assistance services. It is concluded that strengthening the institutional response requires the standardization of police procedures, enhanced interinstitutional coordination, and the consolidation of child protection networks at the community level.