Peer-reviewed article
Prevalence of childhood exposure to domestic violence in 10 low- and middle-income countries: Analysis of Violence Against Children and Youth Survey data.
Harris RJ ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study analyzed data from 10 nationally representative surveys across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America to measure how many children witnessed domestic violence between caregivers before age 18. Researchers found that between 11.8% and 30.7% of adolescents and young adults had been exposed to domestic violence, affecting an estimated 19.84 million young people. The findings show that childhood exposure to domestic violence is more common than previously recognized and that existing global estimates significantly underestimate the scale of the problem.
Key points
- Prevalence of childhood exposure to domestic violence ranged from 11.80% to 30.68% across the 10 countries studied
- An estimated 19.84 million adolescents and young adults were exposed to domestic violence before age 18 across these 10 countries alone
- Female respondents reported higher prevalence of exposure than males in most countries
- The study used a standardized measurement approach across all countries to ensure consistency
- Current global estimates substantially understate the scale of childhood exposure to domestic violence in low- and middle-income countries
Limitations
The study is based on retrospective self-reports from adolescents and young adults recalling experiences before age 18, which may be subject to recall bias. The standardized indicator used a narrow definition of exposure (witnessing or hearing physical violence between caregivers), so the true prevalence including other forms of domestic violence exposure may be higher.
Abstract
Background Childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is associated with lasting impacts on child development, mental health, and future violence risk. However, global estimates are outdated, based largely on high-income countries, and often use inconsistent measures. This study provides updated prevalence estimates from 10 LMICs, using a standardized indicator of exposure. Objective To generate updated, cross-national prevalence estimates of childhood exposure to DVA in LMICs using a consistent measurement approach. Participants and setting Nationally representative data were drawn from 10 Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys, conducted between 2013 and 2019 across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Respondents aged 13-24 were asked retrospectively about witnessing or hearing physical violence between caregivers before age 18. Methods Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated by sex and country based on responses to a standardized item. Country-specific population data were used to estimate the number of exposed individuals. Results Prevalence ranged from 11.80 % to 30.68 %. In most countries, female respondents reported a higher prevalence of exposure than males. Across the 10 countries, an estimated 19.84 million adolescents and young adults were exposed to DVA before age 18. These figures represent 7.21 % to 14.91 % of UNICEF's 2006 global estimate, despite being derived from only 10 countries and a narrow definition of exposure. Conclusions Childhood exposure to DVA remains widespread and under-recognized in LMICs, and global estimates substantially understate the scale of the issue. Improved surveillance using standardized, cross-culturally appropriate indicators is urgently needed to inform prevention, policy, and child protection efforts.