No evidence that anti-domestic violence laws reduce violent child discipline in sub-Saharan Africa

Soc Sci Med. 2026 Apr 25;401:119335. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119335. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Albeit rarely recognized as such in existing legislation, violent child discipline is a clear form of domestic violence (DV) with enduring consequences for child well-being. This study merges household survey data from 27 sub-Saharan African countries with World Bank data on law implementation to investigate whether broad DV legislation introduced since the mid-2000s has curbed violent parenting practices. Using a quasi-experimental approach to compare childrearing practices and attitudes between countries with and without anti-DV laws, before and after law implementation, we document a robust increase in violent child discipline-mainly driven by emotional punishment-and a higher endorsement of harsh parenting practices following the introduction of these laws. These adverse effects are attenuated in countries with higher income inequality, where the laws appear to play more of a “protective” role. Our findings underscore the unintended consequences when anti-DV legislation is enacted without a specific target for child protection.

PMID:42068859 | DOI:10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119335