IRAQIRAQA UNICEF report published in 2010 states that 85% 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 (23%) of mothers and caregivers thought that physical punishment was necessary in childrearing, and non-violent discipline was also very widely used: experienced by 95% 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 82% experienced psychological aggression (being shouted at, yelled at, screamed at or insulted). Boys were slightly more likely than girls to experience violent discipline: 87% compared to 83%. Children aged 5-9 were slightly more likely to experience violent discipline than those of other ages: 88% of children aged 5-9 compared to 86% of children aged 2-4 and 83% of children aged 10-14. Children living in larger households were more likely to experience violent discipline: 86% of children in households of 6 or more people compared to 75% 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). Children engaged in child labour experienced violent discipline more than those who were not engaged in child labour: 90% compared to 86%. No significant differences in children’s experience of violent discipline were found according to level of education of adults in the household.
(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, thirty per cent of children with disabilities were hit or slapped on the face, head or ears or hit over and over as hard as possible with an implement, compared with 31% of non-disabled children. Of girls and women aged 15-49, 59% 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)
A 2008 analysis of the situation of children’s rights in Iraq involved around 750 children and their families in nine areas of the country, though questionnaires and focus groups. The study found a high level of family violence, especially for girls. Corporal punishment in schools was found to be common – for example, 48% of teachers in the South Region of the country said that they had used physical violence to discipline children. In the Central Region, 83% of children’s drawings showed negative images of life in school, at home and in neighbourhoods, with many mentions of violence. Adults were asked who children could turn to for support if they were victims of violence. In the Central Region the police, political parties and CSOs were mentioned. Tribal and religious leaders were mentioned in both the Central and South Regions, but family members and teachers were not mentioned in either region. In the North, around 30% of adults believed children could approach their families for help if they experienced violence in school.
(Save the Children UK, 2008, Iraq: A Child Rights Situation Analysis)