Peer-reviewed article

Prevalence of Violence Perpetration by Men Aged 18-24 Years in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Who Were Exposed to Violence During Childhood - Eight Countries, 2018-2023.

Miedema SS, Matthews SA, Annor FB, Villaveces A, Mndzebele P et al. · 22 Jan 2026

Abstract

Violence is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among young adults in low- and middle-income countries. Men aged 18-24 years (young men) account for the majority of victims and perpetrators of many types of interpersonal violence. Childhood experiences, such as exposure to emotional, physical, or sexual violence or witnessing violence in their homes or communities, might increase risk for perpetration of violence in adulthood. Data from eight Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys conducted in low- and middle-income countries during 2018-2023 were analyzed to assess prevalence of physical and sexual violence perpetration by young men and associations of these events with their exposure to violence during childhood. Lifetime prevalence of physical or sexual violence perpetration among young men was common in all countries and ranged from 12.4% in Eswatini to 44.9% in Côte d'Ivoire. Physical violence victimization or witnessing violence in the household or community before age 18 years was associated with increased odds of violence perpetration among young men in all eight countries after adjusting for demographic covariates and childhood adversity indicators. Efforts to prevent exposure to violence during childhood, a pivotal developmental period, might reduce perpetration of violence by young men and create safer and more secure homes and communities.