Domestic Violence and Child Health Outcomes in Zimbabwe

This study examines the association between domestic violence and selected negative child health outcomes. There are two reasons for this: firstly the role of domestic violence in affecting child health outcomes has not been explored in the African context. Secondly, the reduction of child mortality levels worldwide has become a prominent issue and is addressed as Goal 4 in the Millennium Development Goals. Using the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey of 2005- 2006, logistic regression analysis shows significant associations between physical violence and various negative child health outcomes. Among others, the study found that domestic violence, being hit during pregnancy and sexual violence is associated with increased odds of child mortality occurring to the young children of abused women.