A UNICEF report published in 2010 states that 76% of children aged 2-14 experienced violent discipline (physical punishment and/or psychological aggression) in 2005-2006. Almost half (48%) experienced physical punishment, while a much smaller percentage (18%) of mothers and caregivers thought that physical punishment was necessary in childrearing, and non-violent discipline was also very widely used: experienced by 93% of children. Nearly one child in five (17%) experienced severe physical punishment (being hit or slapped on the face, head or ears or being hit over and over with an implement) and 73% experienced psychological aggression (being shouted at, yelled at, screamed at or insulted). Boys were slightly more likely than girls to experience violent discipline: 79% compared to 72%. Children living in households with adults with a higher average level of education were less likely to experience violent discipline than those living with less educated adults. No significant differences in children’s experience of violent discipline were found according to age, household size or engagement in child labour.
(UNICEF, 2010, Child Disciplinary Practices at Home: Evidence from a Range of Low- and Middle-Income Countries, NY: UNICEF)
According to statistics from UNICEF on violence in the family, in 2005-2006 nearly half of girls and women aged 15-49 thought that a husband is justified in hitting or beating his wife under certain circumstances; 58% of boys and men aged 15-49 thought this.
(UNICEF, 2009, Progress for Children: A report card on child protection, NY: UNICEF)