Violence against children in Timor-Leste and Consequences on Adult Health and Exposure to Adversity Full Report and Summary

The Australian Government’s Nabilan Program in Timor-Leste commissioned Equality Institute to conduct a secondary analysis of baseline survey data on violence against children (VAC) and its long-term impacts. The study found that VAC is widespread in Timor-Leste and is strongly linked to both adult health outcomes and experiences or perpetration of violence in adulthood. Specifically, men who experienced childhood trauma were more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence, while women who experienced trauma as children faced a heightened risk of intimate partner violence later in life.

The analysis demonstrates that VAC and violence against women (VAW) are interconnected social problems that cannot be addressed in isolation. The study calls for an integrated approach to prevention that recognises the shared risk factors and overlapping impacts of both forms of violence.

Findings were published in a full report (English only), with a summary, policy brief, and evidence briefs made available in English and Tetun for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and donors. Four priority areas for reducing child maltreatment and promoting safe, healthy childhoods were highlighted as essential for breaking the cycle of violence in adulthood.