Prevalence of childhood exposure to domestic violence in 10 low- and middle-income countries: analysis of violence against children survey data
Prevalence of childhood exposure to domestic violence in 10 low- and middle-income countries: analysis of violence against children survey data
Background: Childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is associated with serious and long-term consequences for child development, mental health, and future risk of violence. However, global estimates are outdated and are largely based on data from high-income countries, often using inconsistent measures. This study provides updated prevalence estimates from 10 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), using a standard indicator of exposure.
Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using 10 nationally representative Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS), collected between 2013 and 2019 across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Respondents aged 13–24 were asked retrospectively whether they had ever seen or heard physical violence between caregivers before age 18. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated by sex and country, and applied to UN population data to estimate the number of individuals exposed in each setting.
Findings: Prevalence of childhood exposure to DVA ranged from 11·8% in Honduras to 30·7% in Malawi. In most countries, female respondents were more likely than males to report exposure. Sub-Saharan African countries reported the highest prevalence rates. Across the 10 countries, an estimated 19·8 million adolescents and young adults were exposed to DVA before the age of 18. These figures represent 7·2% to 14·9% of UNICEF’s 2006 global estimate, despite being derived from only 10 countries and a narrow definition of exposure.
Interpretation: Childhood exposure to DVA remains a prevalent and under-recognised form of harm in LMICs. These findings suggest that current global estimates substantially understate the scale of the issue. Without identification and support, affected children may face long-term consequences for their health, development, and wellbeing. Improved surveillance using standardised, cross-culturally appropriate indicators is urgently needed to inform prevention, policy, and child protection efforts.
Childhood exposure to domestic violence, Violence against children, low- and middle-income countries, Prevalence, Gender-based violence, cross-national survey, Violence Against Children Surveys, Global child health, Adverse childhood experiences
Social Science Research Network
Harris, Rebecca Jane
ccccfec7-8a18-4e81-bcfb-34f2b1204aea
Channon, Andrew Amos
5a60607c-6861-4960-a81d-504169d5880c
12 May 2025
Harris, Rebecca Jane
ccccfec7-8a18-4e81-bcfb-34f2b1204aea
Channon, Andrew Amos
5a60607c-6861-4960-a81d-504169d5880c
[Unknown type: UNSPECIFIED]
Abstract
Background: Childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is associated with serious and long-term consequences for child development, mental health, and future risk of violence. However, global estimates are outdated and are largely based on data from high-income countries, often using inconsistent measures. This study provides updated prevalence estimates from 10 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), using a standard indicator of exposure.
Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using 10 nationally representative Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS), collected between 2013 and 2019 across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Respondents aged 13–24 were asked retrospectively whether they had ever seen or heard physical violence between caregivers before age 18. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated by sex and country, and applied to UN population data to estimate the number of individuals exposed in each setting.
Findings: Prevalence of childhood exposure to DVA ranged from 11·8% in Honduras to 30·7% in Malawi. In most countries, female respondents were more likely than males to report exposure. Sub-Saharan African countries reported the highest prevalence rates. Across the 10 countries, an estimated 19·8 million adolescents and young adults were exposed to DVA before the age of 18. These figures represent 7·2% to 14·9% of UNICEF’s 2006 global estimate, despite being derived from only 10 countries and a narrow definition of exposure.
Interpretation: Childhood exposure to DVA remains a prevalent and under-recognised form of harm in LMICs. These findings suggest that current global estimates substantially understate the scale of the issue. Without identification and support, affected children may face long-term consequences for their health, development, and wellbeing. Improved surveillance using standardised, cross-culturally appropriate indicators is urgently needed to inform prevention, policy, and child protection efforts.
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Published date: 12 May 2025
Keywords:
Childhood exposure to domestic violence, Violence against children, low- and middle-income countries, Prevalence, Gender-based violence, cross-national survey, Violence Against Children Surveys, Global child health, Adverse childhood experiences
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Local EPrints ID: 501844
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/501844
PURE UUID: 49599934-4711-4182-86a6-a0ca9e30e9d1
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Date deposited: 10 Jun 2025 18:34
Last modified: 30 Sep 2025 02:19
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Author:
Rebecca Jane Harris
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