The purpose of this study is to explore forms and trends of violence against childrenrnin Kirkos Sub City from September, 2013â€“ August, 2015. It also attempts to identify the sociorndemographic back ground of perpetrators of violence against children and challenges of lawrnenforcing institutions in addressing child abuse. To deal with the problem under investigationrndescriptive exploratory research design was employed. The statistical data gathered from thernSub City's Child Protection Unit archival records was analysed using descriptive statistics.rnThe qualitative data which was collected through conducting semi structured interview with 8rnpurposely selected participants was analysed using thematic interpretation. The findings ofrnthe study portrayed corporal punishment, rape, attempt of rape and violence against thernemotional wellbeing of a child were the most prevalent forms of violence against children inrnthe Sub City. Regarding trends of those reported violence, fluctuation in terms of prevalencernwas observed in the findings of the study. The research also depicted young, married andrnunemployed individuals with lower educational level had high participation in committingrnviolence against children. Moreover, lack of public awareness about legal protection of childrnright and welfare; gaps in existing legal frame work in addressing child abuse; Shortage ofrntrained personnel; Technical and financial constraint were identified as challenges of lawrnenforcing institutions in addressing child abuse. Based on the findings of the study, educatingrnthe public about child right and welfare, reviewing the existing legal framework andrnallocating adequate technical and financial resources for the Sub Cityâ€™s Child Protection unitrnare recommended