Experiences of childhood violence and violence perpetration and the association with inequitable gender norms and violence justification in humanitarian settings in Uganda
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Inequitable gender norms and the justification of intimate partner violence (IPV) are both widespread and strongly linked to experiences of childhood violence and, to a lesser extent, violence perpetration among youth in humanitarian settings. The study highlights that social norms learned early in life—particularly those normalizing male dominance and violence—reinforce cycles of violence, suggesting that early, gender-transformative interventions are critical in refugee contexts.
Objectives The study aimed to examine the associations between experiences of childhood violence, perpetration of violence, endorsement of inequitable gender norms, and IPV justification among children and youth (aged 13–24) living in refugee settlements in Uganda.
Methods The study used data from the Uganda Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS), a representative cross-sectional household survey of 2,265 adolescents and young people in refugee settlements. Measures included composite indices of childhood violence (sexual, physical, emotional), violence perpetration, inequitable gender norms (based on a 7-item scale), and IPV justification (5-item scale). Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression models controlling for demographic factors.
Results Childhood violence was highly prevalent, with substantial proportions of both males and females reporting experiences of violence. Endorsement of inequitable gender norms and IPV justification was also common. Regression analyses showed that experiencing childhood violence was significantly associated with greater endorsement of inequitable gender norms among females and higher IPV justification among males. Among younger adolescents (13–17), IPV justification was associated with both experiencing violence (females) and perpetrating violence (males). Overall, inequitable norms and violence justification were closely tied to both victimization and perpetration patterns.
Conclusions The findings demonstrate that inequitable gender norms and the social acceptability of violence are deeply embedded in humanitarian settings and are linked to both experiencing and perpetrating violence among youth. Addressing these norms through early, gender-transformative interventions—such as school-based, community-based, and parenting programs—is essential to break cycles of violence and promote gender-equitable attitudes in refugee contexts.
Norms Addressed
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