GUINEA-BISSAU

A UNICEF report published in 2010 states that 82% of children aged 2-14 experienced violent discipline (physical punishment and/or psychological aggression) in 2005-2006. Nearly three quarters experienced physical punishment, while a smaller percentage (25%) 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. Three children in ten experienced severe physical punishment (being hit or slapped on the face, head or ears or being hit over and over with an implement) and 68% experienced psychological aggression (being shouted at, yelled at, screamed at or insulted). Children aged 5-9 were slightly more likely to experience violent discipline than those of other ages: 85% of children aged 5-9 compared to 76% of children aged 2-4 and 83% of children aged 10-14. Children living in larger households were more likely to experience violent discipline: 83% of children in households of 6 or more people compared to 70% of children in households of 2-3 people. The statistics also suggest that children with more siblings are more likely to experience violent discipline in most countries involved in the study (p. 72). No significant differences in children’s experience of violent discipline were found according to sex, level of education of adults in the household 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 more than half (52%) of girls and women aged 15-49 thought that a husband is justified in hitting or beating his wife under certain circumstances.

 (UNICEF, 2009, Progress for Children: A report card on child protection, NY: UNICEF)