In response to concerns regarding all forms of violence against children and youth, the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and ICAP at Columbia University (ICAP), in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), conducted a national survey to determine the magnitude of violence against children.

The 2018 Lesotho Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) is a national household survey to assess the prevalence and burden of violence against children and youth, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence against female and male youth. Ultimately, this study provides stakeholders with an evidence base for policy and programming to prevent violence against children and youth, and inform the national child protection system and to potentially monitor changes over time.