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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Anastasia Gage, PhD and Eva Silvestre, MA. Department of International Health and Development/SPHTM, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-988-3647, agage@tulane.edu

Past research has demonstrated considerable support for the cycle of violence theory. However, few studies of developing countries have examined whether gender-based violence increases the prevalence and likelihood of physical violence toward children. In addition, there has been little investigation of whether the effects of gender-based violence vary depending on individual or family characteristics. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal experience of family violence and physical violence toward children. Data from the Peru Demographic and Health Survey indicated that 42 percent of currently married women beat or physically punished their children. Logistic regression analysis revealed that being hit by individuals other than intimate partners since adolescence was more strongly related to maternal utilization of physical punishment (OR = 1.192, SE = 0.071, p < .01) than observing hitting between one's parents. While exposure to intimate partner psychological (OR = 1.054, SE = 0.015, p < .001) and physical violence (OR = 1.340, SE = 0.157, p < .05) had significant positive effects on women's utilization of physical punishment, culture influenced parenting behavior through community acceptance of the use of corporal punishment in disciplining children (high acceptance: OR = 2.055, SE = 0.171, p < .001). Maternal experience of physical punishment in childhood increased the odds of physical violence toward children (OR = 2.105, SE = 0.124, p < .001). The findings point to the intergenerational transmission of family violence and the need for prevention efforts at the individual, family, and community levels.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Assess whether gender-based violence increases the prevalence and odds of physical violence toward children in Peru.
• Assess whether the effects of gender-based violence vary depending on individual and family-level characteristics.
• Identify factors associated with the co-occurrence of gender-based violence and child physical abuse in a developing country setting.

Keywords: Gender, Family Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered