Childhood violence exposure and its contributing factors in Indonesia: a secondary data analysis of the National Survey on Children and Adolescents' Life Experience

Objectives Childhood violence exposure is a public health concern that has long-term impacts on health and well-being. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to childhood violence exposure. Design This study conducted a secondary data analysis to examine childhood violence exposure. Setting The study uses the National Survey on Children and Adolescents' Life Experience, a cross-sectional national survey conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection in Indonesia in 2021. Participants A total of 4903 children aged 13-17 years participated in the survey. Outcome measures The dependent variable was childhood violence exposure. The independent variables included gender, education level, occupation, living arrangement, orphan status, witnessing violence, marital status and residence. Descriptive statistics, χ² test and logistic regression were performed for analysis. Results The research findings indicate that nearly half of the children are exposed to violence, with a prevalence rate of 46.2% (95% CI 43.6% to 48.8%), including physical (13.8%), emotional (41.6%) and sexual (6.9%) violence exposure. Factors associated with violence exposure include being a working children (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.48 to 2.32), not living with biological parents (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.54) and witnessing violence in the home or neighbourhood (OR 6.78; 95% CI 5.78 to 7.97), all of which increase the risk of childhood violence exposure. Conclusions The findings highlight the necessity to focus on vulnerable groups such as working children, those not living with biological parents and children exposed to violence in the home. Policies and practices should prioritise identifying these at-risk children and provide targeted support through community-based early detection and intervention programmes. Strengthening awareness among stakeholders, including parents, educators and community leaders, will be essential to effectively reduce childhood violence exposure. Future research should explore the practical application of early detection strategies to better support these vulnerable groups.