https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260518760610 Journal of Interpersonal Violence 1–20 © The Author(s) 2018 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0886260518760610 journals.sagepub.com/home/jiv Original Research Violence Against Children in Afghanistan: Community Perspectives Cate M. Cameron, 1,2 Patrick J. O’Leary, 1 Ali Lakhani, 1 Jodie M. Osborne, 1 Luana de Souza, 3 Kristen Hope, 3 Mohammad S. Naimi, 3 Hassan Khan, 3 Qazi S. Jawad, 3 and Sabir Majidi 3 Abstract Violence against children (VAC) is a significant international problem and, in Afghanistan, is particularly complex given the country has suffered armed conflict and extreme poverty for more than 30 years. The aim of this study was to examine the level of knowledge and observation of VAC by community leaders, professional groups, and business owners in three Afghan districts. A survey of community and religious leaders; health, socio- legal, and education professionals; and business owners from Kabul, Jalalabad, and Torkham (n = 182) was conducted. Structured interviews included qualitative and quantitative components. Questions related to knowledge and experience of VAC, and to perceptions of consequences, causes, and strategies for preventing VAC. The statistical significance of differences between participant groups and measures of association were assessed by Pearson’s chi-square test, the Mann–Whitney test, and the Kruskall–Wallis one-way ANOVA. Qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. VAC 1 Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia 2 Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia 3 Terre des hommes Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland Corresponding Author: Cate M. Cameron, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Queensland 4131, Australia. Email: cate.cameron@griffith.edu.au 760610JIV XX X 10.1177/0886260518760610Journal of Interpersonal ViolenceCameron et al. research-article 2018