The effects of cult’s on its members are well documented in both the research literature and the media, and focus mainly on negative aspects (Dawson, 2006; Olson, 2006). Although the research literature has examined the perceptions of cult members and the social and psychological processes related to the formation of cults, there is almost no reference in the research literature nor even public visibility to the point of view of children that were born or raised in cults.

Address Middle Eastern social and cultural norms regarding child neglect

The following Regional Data Profile is based on information provided by knowledgeable professionals in the country. It is often difficult to capture the varying circumstances and ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of the information. It is our hope that each profile offers a useful snapshot of issues related to child protection in each country. The 2020 World Perspectives survey was modified for this most recent data collection, mostly to help clarify the meaning of some questions and provide more guidance to respondents. Respondents were given a link to complete the survey online. The development of the survey was guided by input from an international advisory committee convened for the purposes of collecting country level data and who are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. The content covered consideration of what circumstances were CM in the country; specific policies regarding CM; legal responses to child sexual exploitation (CSE); services used to address CM; prevention strategies; and barriers to prevention. Data was gathered between December 2019 and February 2020. It is important to note that data on many of the issues may not have been available, requiring respondents to provide educated estimates. We obtained information from 62 countries including 10 countries in Africa, 9 in the Americas, 19 in Asia, 22 in Europe, and Australia and New Zealand in Oceania. Countries were also categorized by income level using designations by the World Bank; 27 countries had high income, 20 upper-middle income and 15 were low income. Those who responded are considered experts in their countries in different disciplines with knowledge of country-level data, and they were encouraged to consult with colleagues when uncertain of an answer. That said, ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of responses. In conclusion, this report offers a snapshot of the state of CM and child protection across many countries across the globe. Taken together over the history of publication, much has been accomplished—especially in terms of awareness of the child maltreatment problem and the development of systems to address it. That said, concerns from infrastructure to expertise, to leveraging the lived experience of communities, remains a challenge made even more.

This Country Data Profile is based on information provided by knowledgeable professionals in the country. It is often difficult to capture the varying circumstances and ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of the information. It is our hope that each profile offers a useful snapshot of issues related to child protection in each country. The 2020 World Perspectives survey was modified for this most recent data collection, mostly to help clarify the meaning of some questions and provide more guidance to respondents. Respondents were given a link to complete the survey online. The development of the survey was guided by input from an international advisory committee convened for the purposes of collecting country level data and who are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. The content covered consideration of what circumstances were CM in the country; specific policies regarding CM; legal responses to child sexual exploitation (CSE); services used to address CM; prevention strategies; and barriers to prevention. Data was gathered between December 2019 and February 2020. It is important to note that data on many of the issues may not have been available, requiring respondents to provide educated estimates.

This Country Data Profile is based on information provided by knowledgeable professionals in the country. It is often difficult to capture the varying circumstances and ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of the information. It is our hope that each profile offers a useful snapshot of issues related to child protection in each country. The 2020 World Perspectives survey was modified for this most recent data collection, mostly to help clarify the meaning of some questions and provide more guidance to respondents. Respondents were given a link to complete the survey online. The development of the survey was guided by input from an international advisory committee convened for the purposes of collecting country level data and who are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. The content covered consideration of what circumstances were CM in the country; specific policies regarding CM; legal responses to child sexual exploitation (CSE); services used to address CM; prevention strategies; and barriers to prevention. Data was gathered between December 2019 and February 2020. It is important to note that data on many of the issues may not have been available, requiring respondents to provide educated estimates.