policy, which considers measures to be taken in order to build a system of non-contributory
social protection on a large scale and to replace the current system "that protects in a limited
and timely manner a very small number of beneficiaries. " This implies a strong increase in
the allocation of social protection in public spending, without which the project is likely to
remain at the stage of a good intention.
5.4.2. Domestic discipline
While law 04 of 10 July 2010 prohibits the use of corporal punishment, it remains very
common in Congo, both within the family and at school. We know that corporal punishment
has a detrimental effect on the development of the child. When they do not cause physical
injury, they may cause serious psychological damage, behavioural disorders and school
dropout if it is inflicted at school.
According to the 2011-2012 DCAT, 70% of children suffer physical punishment in their
families and 25% of children suffer very severe punishment.
Table 22: Percentage of children 5-14 years who have had disciplinary action, according to
place of residence, the child's age group and sex
Home
Age
(years)
Type of violence
Gender
Urban
Any form of corporal
69.8
punishment
Severe corporal
24.9
punishment
Any form of violence
93.8
Source: DCAT-2011-2012
Rural
All
5 to 11
M
F
73.9
12 to
14
59.3
74.2
71.5
71.9
71
25.1
25
25.9
20.4
25.2
24.8
86
86
87.2
79.9
85.9
86.2
In schools, corporal punishment is widespread as a disciplinary method. It is found in all
types of schools, whether public or private. The most common forms of physical abuse are:
pulling hair or ears, hitting the child with a stick or another object, kneeling, slapping him/her
or force him/her to perform a hard labour. It is not uncommon for teachers to ask children to
perform domestic duties for them, such as fetching water. Sexual violence, blackmail to
obtain marks to pass exams, is also reported by existing studies (Study on violence in
schools, UNICEF / Republic of Congo, July 2008).
5.5 Care of orphans
5.5.1 Children without family environment
The Charter recognises the right of every child to a family. Given the key role of the family
as a social development framework and child protection, it is important to highlight the
situation of vulnerability of children living outside a family environment or without healthy
and protective family setting. These principles are endorsed by the Child Protection Act and
other legislation such as the Family Code and the Penal Code.
According to the results of the DCAT 2011-2012, only 55% of children (under 18) live with
both biological parents. Furthermore, 23% of children live only with their biological mother
and only 7% with their biological father. In most cases (over 85%), the other biological
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