When we hear about violence, our first question is often: who did it? Who is the perpetrator? But what if we also asked: why? What happens in a child’s life, in their home and in their community, that shapes how they understand themselves, their emotions and the way they treat other people?

Children are growing up surrounded by violence, crime, abuse and fear. They are witnessing things no child should have to consider normal. And when these experiences go unaddressed, the effects can follow them into adulthood, influencing how they manage anger, respond to conflict and build relationships. We are in conversation with the Founder and CEO of Human Nature Africa,  Zonja Penzhorn as we understand the connection between childhood experiences and violence, why early emotional support matters, and how investing in children’s psychosocial development could help us build safer communities.