Understanding the lifelong influence of men's childhood experiences of violence

This study focuses on the situation of abuse that men experienced during childhood and provides the opportunity to better understand the consequences of that abuse. The information is based on the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES). Data presented come from selected locations in: Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Mexico, India and Rwanda.

Men’s reports of experiencing violence during childhood are very common in all study locations.

Parents’ educational attainment, fathers’ participation in domestic duties or childcare, and equitable decision-making in the childhood home can all reduce the likelihood of violence.

Childhood experiences of violence are associated with later adoption of inequitable gender attitudes around decision-making, violence against women and notions of masculinity.

The most consistent influence on ever having perpetrated IPV is having witnessed one’s mother being hit by her male partner.

Childhood experiences of violence can also increase men’s likelihood to resort to violent means of conflict resolution in adulthood and can significantly influence how adult men interact with their partners and children beyond the domain of violence.

Violence against children has significant and noteworthy repercussions on the mental health of men as adults.