Cycle of violence among young Kenyan women: The link between childhood violence and adult physical intimate partner violence in a population-based survey. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chiang, Laura; Howard, Ashleigh; Gleckel, Jessie; Ogoti, Caren; Karlsson, Jonna; Hynes, Michelle; Mwangi, Mary
• Is Part Of: Child abuse & neglect. Volume 84(2018)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Violence against children -- Intimate partner violence -- Revictimization -- Sexual violence -- Kenya; Child abuse -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.07.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-2134

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the current analysis is to elucidate the link between childhood experiences of violence and physical intimate partner violence in young adulthood in a national survey of young Kenyan women. In 2010, we conducted the Violence against Children Survey in Kenya, collecting retrospective reports from 13 to 24 year old males and females (N = 2928). The analysis presented here focused on females aged 18–24 who ever had an intimate partner (n = 566). Young Kenyan women had statistically higher odds of experiencing physical intimate partner violence (IPV) in young adulthood if they had experienced any childhood violence (including sexual, emotional, or physical) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.1 CI: 1.2–7.9, p = 0.02)], any childhood sexual violence (AOR = 2.5, CI 1.3–4.9, p = 0.006), or unwanted completed sex (including pressured or forced sex prior to age 18) (AOR = 4.3, CI: 2.3–8.3, p < 0.0001). Exposure to two (AOR = 3.9, CI: 1.2–12.2, p = 0.02) or three (AOR = 5.0, CI: 1.4–18.1, p = 0.01) types of violence in childhood was also associated with a significantly higher odds of experiencing adult physical IPV. Childhood violence is associated with increased odds of adult physical IPV among young women; efforts to prevent violence against children and provide appropriate care and support to adult survivors are critical to interrupt this cycle of violence