Violence is defined as all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity.

Violence includes different types, which are physical, verbal and emotional violence, sexual violence, including child marriage, Cyber violence, neglect, and bullying.

In Jordan, although the issue of protecting children from violence is a cornerstone of major government policies, its application can be obstructed by social and cultural norms and economic realities.

Children with disabilities, unaccompanied or separated children, children without parental care, children from marginalized minority communities, and children living and/or working on the streets face some disparities. Refugee children and children from poor families are also sorely lacking in terms of child protection services.

Although corporal punishment is prohibited by law in schools and alternative care and rehabilitation centres, the use of violence in these places and at homes is still widely accepted socially and culturally. 81% of children suffer from disciplinary violence (psychological and / or physical).