Prevalence of Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among Persons Aged 13–24 Years — Four Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2013–2015 | MMWR

Prevalence of Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among Persons Aged 13–24 Years — Four Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2013–2015 | MMWR

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• Prevalence of Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among Persons Aged 13–24 Years — Four Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2013–2015
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Prevalence of Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among Persons Aged 13–24 Years — Four Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2013–2015

Weekly / April 19, 2019 / 68(15);350–355

Elizabeth A. Swedo, MD1,2; Steven A. Sumner, MD2; Susan D. Hillis, PhD2,3; George Aluzimbi, MPH4; Rose Apondi, MPH4; Victor O. Atuchukwu, MA5; Andrew F. Auld, MD6; Peter J. Chipimo, MD, PhD7; Martha Conkling, PhD8; Okpewuru E. Egbe9; McKnight S.H. Kalanda, MA6; Chabila C. Mapoma, PhD10; Emma Phiri, MA11; Lydia N. Wasula, MA12; Greta M. Massetti, PhD2 (View author affiliations)

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Violence against children is a public health issue with important consequences, including the subsequent potential perpetration of violence by victims.

What is added by this report?

Analysis of data from Violence Against Children Surveys in four sub-Saharan African countries found that the prevalence of violence perpetration ranged among males from 29.5% in Nigeria to 51.5% in Malawi and among females from 15.3% in Zambia to 28.4% in Uganda. In all countries, a strong dose-response relationship was observed between the number of types of childhood violence experienced and odds of perpetrating violence.

What are the implications for public health practice?

The strong association between experiencing violence in childhood and later perpetration of violence highlights the importance of long-term, comprehensive interventions for both victims and perpetrators.