A recent UNICEF study has highlighted the social, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the use of violent discipline against children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic. The study indicates a significant disconnect between caregivers’ beliefs about physical punishment and their actual practices.
The findings from the 2025 ENHOGAR-MICS survey reveal that only 12.1% of mothers and caregivers in the country view physical punishment as necessary. However, a troubling 54.9% of children aged 1 to 14 have experienced some form of violent discipline, with the figure increasing to 61.4% for children aged 3 to 4.
According to the research, violent discipline is deeply entrenched in social norms that emphasize obedience, adult authority, and expectations regarding children’s behavior. The study suggests that these beliefs can be intergenerational, as caregivers may feel pressure to avoid being perceived as permissive or ineffective, leading to the use of physical punishment.
UNICEF’s analysis, which included interviews with 431 individuals in the Dominican Republic, examined 110 variables related to the contributing factors behind physical punishment and psychological violence. The research also explored how factors such as age, gender, disability, and racialization influence children’s experiences with violence.
The study identified several additional factors that can affect how caregivers respond to conflicts, including stress, exhaustion, caregiving responsibilities, personal upbringing, and living conditions. Furthermore, the lack of access to support and practical tools for managing behavior makes it challenging for families to adopt nonviolent alternatives.
UNICEF stated that physical punishment violates the dignity and rights of children and adolescents and can expose them to toxic stress, potentially impacting their brain development, health, learning, and long-term well-being.
To tackle the issues highlighted in the Dominican Republic, the report recommends a coordinated approach involving legal, institutional, community, and family levels. Key proposals include the explicit prohibition of physical punishment, enhanced coordination among various institutions, and expanded support for families.
The research advocates for greater involvement of men in caregiving and calls for effective participation by children and adolescents in decisions affecting their lives. UNICEF emphasizes that reducing violent discipline requires not only a rejection of physical punishment but also a transformation of the social norms that justify it, along with providing families the necessary tools and support to raise children without resorting to violence.
