LCMC Marks 16 Days of Activism with Research Insight on Child Behavior and Protection – by Teresia Muia
The research does not claim that family values alone can end Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Instead, it highlights a deeper reality that the family is where children form their first understanding of relationships, conflict, respect and power.What they consistently see becomes what they accept as normal.
A home where insults, intimidation or violence are used to solve conflict silently teaches children that aggression is acceptable. Over time, those patterns can grow into bullying in school, abusive behaviour in relationships, and later into GBV at community level.
But the opposite is also true.
Homes that model respect, fairness, empathy and accountability raise children who are more likely to protect rather than harm. According to the LCMC Children and Integrity Research Report (pg. 11),” families that tolerate dishonesty, favoritism or bribery nurture social attitudes that normalize such behavior,” attitudes that can later manifest as corruption, social injustice and even violence.
This finding reinforces the need to address harmful behaviour at the foundation — within families. Prevention starts long before violence makes headlines — it begins in everyday moments, in how adults speak to each other, in how we discipline, and in how conflict is resolved behind closed doors.
LCMC continues to work with children, parents, educators, clergy and community leaders through value formation programs, digital safety and media education, child-rights projects, and arts for social transformation. These initiatives aim to equip communities to raise children in environments that uphold dignity, equality and non-violence.
As we join the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, LCMC calls on society to break the cycle by becoming better role models for children:
Let us challenge harmful norms at their roots.
Let us be the model our children copy.
Let us break the cycle. Protect the child. Shape the home. Transform the nation.
