Current legality of corporal punishment

Home

Corporal punishment is lawful in the home. The Penal Code 1883 was amended in 1995 to provide for the offence of cruelty to children (art. 308A, amended further in 2006), but article 82 of the Code states: “Nothing, which is done in good faith for the benefit of a person under twelve years of age, or, of unsound mind, by or by consent, either express or implied, of the guardian or other person having lawful charge of that person, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause/or be intended by the doer to cause, or be known by the doer be likely to cause, to that person….” Illustration (i) of the offence of “criminal force” (art. 341) states that a schoolmaster who flogs a student is not using force illegally. Provisions against violence and abuse in the Children’s Charter 1994, the Torture Act 1994, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act 2005 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act 2007 are not interpreted as prohibiting all corporal punishment of children.

In November 2022, with the enactment of the Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Act, No. 39 of 2022, the Government repealed article 71(6) of the Children and Young Persons Ordinance 1939 which confirmed “the right of any parent, teacher or other person having lawful control or charge of a child … to administer punishment to him”. The Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Act, No. 39 of 2022 came into force on 1^st January 2024. However, articles 82 and 341 of the Penal code which authorize the use of corporal punishment are still in force. We do not know whether a review of the Penal code to prohibit corporal punishment of children is being considered.

Sri Lanka’s 2016 report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child declared that the “draft Children (Judicial Protection) Act would be enacted to repeal the Children and Young Person’s Ordinance”.[1] In August 2017, the Government reported it was finalising the “Child Protection and Justice Bill”.[2] A Committee was set up by the Ministry of Justice in June 2019 to prepare a draft law on “justice in matters involving child victims and witnesses of crimes”, to consider the Children (Judicial Protection) Bill and to discuss the prohibition of corporal punishment in schools.[3]

At a meeting of the South Asia Forum in July 2006, following on from the regional consultation in 2005 of the UN Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children, the Government made a commitment to prohibition in all settings, including the home. During the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2008, the Government accepted the recommendation to ensure its domestic legislation is fully compliant with the Convention on the Rights of the Child but a subsequent review of the Children and Young Persons Ordinance then did not result in proposals to prohibit corporal punishment.[4] In 2010, Government representatives in SAIEVAC (South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children) developed a national action plan to achieve prohibition and in 2011 endorsed a report on progress towards prohibiting corporal punishment in South Asia states which included an analysis of the reforms required in Sri Lanka.[5] A National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2011-2016, based on the UPR recommendations of 2008 and the recommendations of treaty bodies, was adopted with its implementation strategy approved in 2011. Despite media reports in 2011 that the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Welfare was drafting legislation to prohibit corporal punishment in settings outside the home,^[6] the Plan provided only for prohibition of corporal punishment in schools (goal 7.5): it did not explicitly address the issue in other settings. It did, however, envisage the enactment of a Child Protection Bill/amendments to the Children and Young Persons Ordinance 1939 and other legal reforms in relation to other issues, and the incorporation of children’s rights in the Constitution. In the context of accepting recommendations on children’s rights made during the UPR in 2012, the Government stated that laws would be reformed in line with the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.[7] In 2017, the Government supported a recommendation to prohibit corporal punishment in all settings extended during the UPR,[8] reaffirming its commitment to enacting prohibition.

After conducting a visit in April/May 2016, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture recommended that Sri Lanka “repeal all relevant legislation so that corporal punishment is explicitly prohibited in all settings”.[9] The National Human Rights Action Plan 2017-2022 and the National Plan of Action for Children in Sri Lanka 2016-2020 do not address corporal punishment. Since 2017, Sri Lanka is a Pathfinder country with the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children: this commits the Government to three to five years of accelerated action towards the achievement of Target 16.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Within this context, Sri Lanka produced a Discussion Paper in 2017 which identified the prohibition of corporal punishment as a “pathway” to end violence. The issue of corporal punishment was also included in the Roadmap to End Violence Against Children but there was no explicit mention of enacting a legal ban of its use in all settings. However, in reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Government acknowledged there was a legislative gap and stated that “introducing a law to combat corporal punishment” was a priority issue.[10]

Alternative care settings

Corporal punishment is lawful in alternative care settings under articles 82 and 341 of the Penal Code 1883 (see under “Home”). Under examination by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2010, the Government stated its intention to prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings.[11] The National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2011-2016 planed for law reform in relation to orphanages and inspection of childcare institutions but it did not refer to corporal punishment in this context. The Guidelines and Standards for Childcare Institutions 2013 prohibit the use of corporal punishment in children’s homes and hostels, but this prohibition is not translated into law.

Day care

Corporal punishment is lawful in day care under articles 82 and 341 of the Penal Code 1883.The National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2011-2016 planed for law reform in relation to early childhood care and development but it did not refer to corporal punishment in this context. The Guidelines and Standards for Childcare Institutions 2013 prohibit the use of corporal punishment in day care centres, but this prohibition is not translated into law.

Schools

Corporal punishment is lawful in schools, as confirmed in the explanation of acceptable criminal force in the Penal Code 1883 (see under “Home”). Section 4 of Circular No. 12/2016 reportedly prohibits the use of corporal punishment in government schools and lists positive discipline measures to be used by teachers,[12] but this would not apply to all schools and has not been confirmed in legislation. Provisions in the Education Ordinance 1939 allowing the court to order corporal punishment for persistent truancy (s56) were repealed by the Corporal Punishment (Repeal) Act No. 23 2005.

In 2019, a complaint was filed against the Government of Sri Lanka before the UN Human Rights Committee, under the first Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The complaint was filed by a minor victim of corporal punishment in a private school- notably on the grounds that corporal punishment is only forbidden in public schools by a circular, and that there is no clear prohibition of corporal punishment by law in all schools of the country.[13] Also, in a judgment[14] delivered in February 2021, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka found that the use of corporal punishment violates article 11 of the Constitution which prohibits torture, cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. However, according to national campaigners, the Supreme Court’s judgment does not outlaw corporal punishment in schools and is unlikely be followed by law reform.[15]

The National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2011-2016 had provided for the enactment and enforcement of legislation to prohibit corporal punishment in schools and educational institutions within the timeframe of two years (goal 7.5). A Committee was set up in June 2019 to consider enacting prohibition of corporal punishment in schools (see under “Home”).

Penal institutions

Corporal punishment is lawful as a disciplinary measure in penal institutions. The Corporal Punishment (Repeal) Act No. 23 2005 repeals corporal punishment in prisons under the Prisons Ordinance 1877 (amended 1939), but there is no prohibition relating to other penal institutions for young persons in conflict with the law such as remand homes, approved homes and certified schools. Article 14 of the Youthful Offenders (Training Schools) Ordinance 1939 provides for the Minister to make regulations for discipline in training schools, but we have no information concerning such regulations. Under examination by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2010, the Government stated its intention to prohibit corporal punishment in remand homes.[16] The National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2011-2016 plans for amendments to laws on juvenile justice but does not refer to corporal punishment in this context.

In 2013 a Children (Judicial Protection) Bill had been drafted.[17] As at October 2015, it was expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.[18] A Committee was set up in June 2019 to consider the Bill (see under “Home”).

Sentence for crime

Corporal punishment is prohibited as a sentence for crime by the Corporal Punishment (Repeal) Act No. 23 2005, which repeals the Corporal Punishment Ordinance 1889 and all provisions authorising judicial corporal punishment in other laws.

[1] [June 2016], CRC/C/LKA/5-6, Fifth-sixth report, para. 209

[2] 24 August 2017, A/HRC/WG.6/28/LKA/1, National report, para. 114

[3] Information provided to the Global Initiative, October 2019

[4] 6 October 2010, CRC/C/SR.1567, Summary record of examination by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, para. 22

[5] SAIEVAC (2011), Prohibition of corporal punishment of children in South Asia: a progress review

[6] Sri Lanka Guardian, 2 September 2011

[7] 21 February 2013, A/HRC/22/16/Add.1, Report of the working group: Addendum, para. 4.13

[8] 29 December 2017, A/HRC/37/17, Report of the working group, para. 116(165)

[9] 22 December 2016, A/HRC/34/54/Add.2, Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment on his mission to Sri Lanka, para. 116.k

[10] 29 December 2017, CRC/C/LKA/Q/5-6/Add.1, Reply to list of issues, paras. 57, 58, 59, 61 and 62

[11] [June 2016], CRC/C/LKA/5-6, Fifth-sixth report, para. 209

[12] Information provided to the Global Initiative, August 2018

[13] [2019] Beddage Tushara Wickramanayaka and Adriana Lakshya Wickramanayaka Cutter (minor) v. Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

[14] 12 February 2021- Case no.SC/FR/97/2017

[15] Information received by End Violence in February 2021

[16] 6 October 2010, CRC/C/SR.1567, Summary record of examination by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, para. 42

[17] 31 January 2013, CCPR/C/LKA/5, Fifth state party report, para. 293

[18] www.sundaytimes.lk/151018/news/bill-to-protect-children-in-custody-and-child-victims-168294.html, accessed 22 April 2016

Universal Periodic Review of Sri Lanka’s human rights record

Sri Lanka was examined in the first cycle of the Universal Periodic Review in 2008 (session 2). No recommendations were made specifically concerning corporal punishment of children. However, the following recommendations were made and were accepted by the Government:[1]

“Ensure that its domestic legislation is in full compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Poland);

“Continue its efforts for the full implementation of international human rights instruments to which it is a party (Morocco)”

Examination in the second cycle took place in 2012 (session 14). No recommendations were made concerning corporal punishment of children. However, the following recommendations were made and were accepted by the Government:[2]

“Intensify its actions for a greater enjoyment by the people of fundamental human rights (Benin);

“Intensify its policies and programs undertaken to ensure the protection of women and children (Algeria);

“Formulate a comprehensive national strategy for the protection of the rights of children, with a view to ensuring compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, following the review of national laws (South Africa);

“Take measures to guarantee full protection of children’s human rights by rehabilitating the ex-combatants and eliminating and reducing, among others, child trafficking, child sexual abuse and violence against children (Holy See).”

The Government subsequently confirmed: “Current initiatives to devise reforms to the legislative framework dealing with the protection of children who come into conflict with the legal system and who are in need of care and protection will be expedited, in line with recommendations made by Committee on the Rights of the Child, the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice and the Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency.”[3]

Third cycle examination took place in 2017 (session 28). The Government supported the following recommendation:[4]

“Prohibit corporal punishment of children in all settings, including at home (Montenegro)”

Examination in the fourth cycle took place in 2023 (session 53). The following recommendations were made[5] and supported by the Government:[6]

“Take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect children from all forms of physical and mental violence, including sexual abuse, and ban the corporal punishment of children in all situations (Croatia);

“Explicitly prohibit the corporal punishment of children in law in all settings (Estonia);

“Prohibit the corporal punishment of children in all forms and in any sphere of society, including the home and educational centres, and promote nonviolent alternatives as disciplinary measures (Uruguay);

“Abolish corporal punishment in law and in practice (Israel);

“Implement fully the national human rights action plan to prevent child abuse and to end corporal punishment (Lithuania).”

[1] 5 June 2008, A/HRC/8/46, Report of the working group, paras. 82(9) and 82(10)

[2] 18 December 2012, A/HRC/22/16, Report of the working group, paras. 127(46), 127(62), 127(71) and 127(72)

[3] 21 February 2013, A/HRC/22/16/Add.1, Report of the working group: Addendum, para. 4.13

[4] 29 December 2017, A/HRC/37/17, Report of the working group, para. 116(165)

[5] 19 April 2023, A/HRC/53/16, Report of the Working Group, paras. 65(254), 65(259), 65(260), 65(261) and 65(263)

[6] 30 June 2023, A/HRC/53/16/Add.1, Advance version, Report of the Working Group: Addendum

Recommendations by human rights treaty bodies

Committee on the Rights of the Child

(2 February 2018, CRC/C/LKA/CO/5-6 Advance unedited version, Concluding observations on fifth/sixth report, paras. 4, 21 and 22)

“The Committee reminds the State party of the indivisibility and interdependence of all the rights enshrined in the Convention and emphasizes the importance of all the recommendations contained in the present concluding observations. The Committee would like to draw the State party’s attention to the recommendations concerning the following areas, in respect of which urgent measures must be taken: violence, including corporal punishment (para. 21), sexual exploitation and abuse (para. 23), economic exploitation, including child labour (para. 41), administration of juvenile justice (para. 45), and reconciliation, truth and justice (para. 47).”

“The Committee, while noting with appreciation that the State party has accepted a recommendation issued in the course of the Universal Periodic Review in November 2017 to prohibit corporal punishment in all settings, is deeply concerned that high numbers of children are subjected to abuse and violence, including corporal punishment and that corporal punishment remains legal in the home, in alternative care settings, in penal institutions, as well as in schools.

“The Committee, recalling its previous recommendations (CRC/C/LKA/5-6, para. 41 as well as CRC/C/15/Add.207, para. 29), and with reference to its general comment No. 8 (2006) on the right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment, its general comment No. 13 (2011) on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence and taking note of target 16.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals on ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children, urges the State party to prioritize the elimination of all forms of violence against children and to:

(a) Prohibit unequivocally by law and without any further delay corporal punishment, however light, in all settings, repeal any legal defence, and ensure that these laws are effectively implemented and that legal proceedings are systematically initiated upon their breach;

(b) Increase the capacity of relevant professional groups, in particular law enforcement, health personnel, social workers and the judiciary, including Quazis, to handle cases of violence against children, including the capacity to bring cases of domestic child abuse under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act;

(c) Introduce sustained public education, awareness-raising and social mobilization programmes, involving children, families, communities and religious leaders, on the harmful effects of corporal punishment with a view to changing the general attitude towards this practice, ensure children’s involvement in the design of prevention strategies, and promote positive, non-violent, participatory forms of childrearing and discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment;

(d) Regularly monitor the situation of children in all places of detention, install closed complaint boxes in prisons, police stations and remand homes to enable children to confidentially complain about torture or ill treatment when in detention, and ensure unimpeded access by the NHRC to police stations and detention facilities;

(e) Allocate all necessary resources to implement the National Plan of Action on Prevention on Child Abuse (2016 onwards), and to ensure efficient followup measures when child abuse is reported via the helplines.”

Committee on the Rights of the Child

(19 October 2010, CRC/C/LKA/CO/3-4, Concluding observations on third/fourth report, paras. 40 and 41)

“While commending the abrogation of the Corporal Punishment Ordinance of 1889 and the issuance by the Ministry of Education on 11 May 2005 of Circular No. 2005/17, which prohibits physical assault or corporal punishment in the school system by any adult on a child, the Committee expresses concern that the Education Ordinance of 1939 permitting corporal punishment in schools has not been abrogated and that corporal punishment therefore remains lawful in schools as well as in the home and in alternative care settings.

“The Committee, recalling its previous recommendation (CRC/C/15/Add.207, para. 29), draws the attention of the State party to its general comment No. 8 (2006) on the right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment and urges that it:

a) prohibit unequivocally by law and without any further delay corporal punishment in the family, schools and alternative care institutions;

b) ensure that laws prohibiting corporal punishment are effectively implemented and that legal proceedings are systematically initiated against those responsible of mistreating children;

c) introduce sustained public education, awareness-raising and social mobilization programmes, involving children, families, community and religious leaders, on the harmful effects of corporal punishment with a view to changing the general attitude towards this practice and promote positive, non-violent, participatory forms of child-rearing and discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment.”

Committee on the Rights of the Child

(2 July 2003, CRC/C/15/Add.207, Concluding observations on second report, paras. 28 and 29)

“The Committee is deeply concerned that male child offenders can be sentenced to whipping or caning under the Corporal Punishment Ordinance of 1889, and that the Education Ordinance of 1939 permits corporal punishment to be used as a disciplinary measure for boys and girls in schools and that many teachers and principals consider corporal punishment to be an acceptable form of discipline.

“The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation that the State party repeal the Corporal Punishment Ordinance of 1889 and amend the Education Ordinance of 1939 to prohibit all forms of corporal punishment. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake well-targeted public awareness campaigns on the negative impact corporal punishment has on children, and provide teacher training on non-violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment.”

Committee on the Rights of the Child

(21 June 1995, CRC/C/15/Add.40, Concluding observations on initial report, paras. 15 and 32)

“With respect to child abuse, including sexual abuse, the Committee is seriously alarmed by the prevalence of this type of abuse. The Committee is worried about the fact that no specific rehabilitation measures exist for abused children and that they are treated like delinquents. Corporal punishment also persists in Sri Lankan society and is accepted in schools.

“The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to combat violence and abuse of children, including sexual abuse and corporal punishment. During the process of reviewing its laws on child abuse, the State party should carefully take into account all the provisions guaranteed by article 19 of the Convention. It further suggests that professional groups, including teachers, law enforcement personnel, social workers and the military, be trained with respect to the provisions on the Convention. International technical assistance could be requested by the authorities in relation to this matter.”

Committee Against Torture

(8 December 2011, CAT/C/LKA/CO/3-4, Concluding observations on third/fourth report, para. 30)

“The Committee notes that, while corporal punishment is prohibited as a penal sentence under the Corporal Punishment (Repeal) Act No. 23 of 2005, it is not prohibited as a disciplinary measure in penal institutions for juvenile offenders, in the home or alternative care settings, under article 82 of the Penal Code. The Committee also notes with concern that, despite the issuance of Circular No. 2005/17, by the Ministry of Education in 2005, stating that corporal punishment should not be used in schools, there is no prohibition in law and its use is still widespread. (arts. 10 and 16)

The State party should consider amending its Penal Code, with a view to prohibiting corporal punishment in all settings and raising public awareness.”

Committee Against Torture

(15 December 2005, CAT/C/LKA/CO/1/CRP.2, Concluding observations on second report, para. 3)

“The Committee notes with satisfaction the following positive developments:

g) the recent abolition of corporal punishment by Act No. 23 of 2005.”

Human Rights Committee

([November 2014, CCPR/C/LKA/CO/5], Advance Unedited Version, Concluding observations on fifth report, paras. 3 and 19)

“The Committee welcomes the following legislative and institutional steps taken by the State party:

(a) the Corporal Punishment (Repeal) Act No. 23 of 2005 which repeals corporal punishment in prisons...

“While taking note that violence against children and corporal punishment is legally prohibited in schools and judicial corporal punishment called “whipping” was outlawed in 2005, the Committee notes with concern that corporal punishment traditionally continues to be accepted and practised as a form of discipline by parents and guardians. (arts. 7 and 24)

The State party should take practical steps, including through legislative measures where appropriate, to put an end to corporal punishment in all settings. It should encourage non-violent forms of discipline as alternatives to corporal punishment, and should conduct public information campaigns to raise awareness about its harmful effects.”

Human Rights Committee

(1 December 2003, CCPR/CO/79/LKA, Concluding observations on the combined fourth and fifth reports, para. 11)

“While noting that corporal punishment has not been imposed as a sanction by the courts for about 20 years, the Committee expresses concern that it is still statutorily permitted, and that it is still used as a prison disciplinary punishment. Moreover, despite directives issued by the Ministry of Education in 2001, corporal punishment still takes place in schools (art.7).

The State party is urged to abolish all forms of corporal punishment as a matter of law and effectively to enforce these measures in primary and secondary schools, and in prisons.”

Human Rights Committee

(27 July 1995, CCPR/C/79/Add.56, Concluding observations on third report, sections 3 and 5)

“The Committee expresses its satisfaction at the Government’s stated policy of not implementing death sentences and that corporal punishment as a penalty has been suspended for the last 10 years.

“Noting that the definition of torture given in the Convention Against Torture Act passed by Parliament on 25 November 1994 is somewhat restrictive, the Committee recommends that the Act be amended to bring it into conformity with article 7 of the Covenant, taking into account the Committee’s General Comment No. 20 (44). It further recommends that in view of the statement by the Government that corporal punishment has been suspended the provisions of the domestic legislation allowing this form of punishment be revoked.”

Prevalence/attitudinal research in the last ten years

In the first large scale study of corporal punishment in Sri Lankan schools in 2017, 948 students and 450 teachers were interviewed across six Sri Lankan districts. 80.4% of students reported high levels of corporal punishment, having experienced at least one episode of corporal punishment in the past term. Of the various types of corporal punishment experienced, 47.5%, were made to stand for a long period; squeezing the ear (43.7%) and being hit on the bottom with a stick or some other hard object (42.4%) followed as the second and third most prevalent. Female students were less likely (69.2%) to report being subjected to corporal punishment than male students (91.3%).

 (De Zoysa, Piyanjali & Senarath, Upul & De Silva, Harendra. (2018). Disciplining in Sri Lankan Schools: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 36. 088626051880885. 10.1177/0886260518808851.)

A study involving 194 parents living in Colombo found that 76.3% had physically punished their child in the past month by shaking them, hitting them on the bottom with an object or bare hand, slapping them, pinching them, pulling their ear or hair or hitting them on the head; 40.7% had kicked, choked, beaten, burned, threatened with a weapon, thrown, knocked down, punched or hit their child anywhere other than their bottom with an object in the past month. Nearly 90% had used psychological aggression such as threatening or insulting their child in the past month; nearly 80% had used non-violent discipline strategies such as explaining why something was wrong. When asked about their attitude to corporal punishment, 30% said they were completely against it and a similar number said they were completely for it. After taking part in a two-hour information and discussion session in which they were given information about the negative effects of corporal punishment on children and about alternative discipline strategies, the rates of psychological aggression and corporal punishment declined significantly.

(De Zoysa, P. (2013), A Study on Parental Disciplinary Practices and an Awareness Program to Reduce Corporal Punishment and Other Forms of Negative Parental Practices, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Child Protection in Crisis, Institute for Participatory Interaction in Development & Save the Children)

A study conducted in four districts found 74% of parents use some form of corporal punishment – this figure was 90% in the Galle district, 86% in Polonnaruwa, 67% in Batticaloa and 50% in Colombo District. The most common methods reported were hitting with the hand (31%), beating with a stick (27%), pulling the ear (13%), “small punishment” not specified (11.5%), hitting with a ‘ekal’ stick (10%), kneeling down (3%), caning (3%) and throwing a nearby object at the child (1%). Nearly one-fifth of parents reported using heavy scolding or verbal abuse as a punishment in combination with physical punishment. Parents reported using corporal punishment to bring up their children in a “proper manner” (31%), for educational purposes or to get the child to study (29%) or to prevent the child from doing things that they felt were wrong, such as engaging in inappropriate associations or relationships, or to deter them from repeating a mistake (20%).

(De Silva, KP Shyamalie, (2012), Use of corporal punishment on children by parents and their perceptions: A study on the perceptions of parents on the use of Corporal Punishment on children in Colombo; Batticaloa; Galle and Polonnaruwa Districts)

A cross-sectional study of 12-year-old Sinhala speaking government school children in the Colombo district found 70% of school children had experienced at least one act of corporal punishment in the particular year, recording an average of 12 acts in the year. In addition, 37% of the children had experienced at least one act of physical abuse in the same year with an average of 11.6 such acts in the year.

(De Zoysa P. et al (2008) “Outcomes of parental corporal punishment: Psychological maladjustment and physical abuse” Child abuse and violence, 121-162)

Report prepared by the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children

www.endcorporalpunishment.org; info@endcorporalpunishment.org

March 2018