Intergenerational consequences of spousal violence: effect on nutritional status of children

In this paper, we empirically estimate the causal impact of spousal violence experienced by mothers on the nutritional status of her children aged below five years. Using detailed dataset from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey, we find evidence that violence experienced by mothers at the hands of their husbands significantly increases the likelihood of their children being malnourished. When we focus on identifying the pathways through which spousal violence affect child health outcomes, we find that while spousal violence primarily affects child health via deterioration in maternal health, neglect of children in terms of inadequate provision of essential child-care also seem to matter. The results from the heterogeneity analysis finally suggest that the detrimental effect of such violence is significantly less pronounced for children born to mothers who are currently working and are thus empowered.

Automated summary

This paper empirically investigates the causal impact of spousal violence on the nutritional status of children below five years old, based on data from the National Family Health Survey. The results show that violence experienced by mothers significantly increases the likelihood of child malnutrition. The study also finds that spousal violence affects child health through deteriorating maternal health and neglect of essential child-care.