Verbal violence against children in Jordan: Legal gaps and procedural barriers

Verbal violence against children is a pervasive yet often overlooked form of abuse with significant psychological consequences. While international child rights frameworks emphasize protection from all forms of violence, legal recognition and enforcement of protections against verbal abuse remain inconsistent worldwide. This paper uses the Jordanian experience as a case study to examine how legal systems perceive and address verbal violence against children, highlighting the interplay between cultural norms, legislative frameworks, and practical challenges. Through the review of related provisions in Jordan's Penal Code, Child Rights Law, Protection Against Domestic Violence Law, Education and Human Resources Development Law, and Juvenile Law, the study identified the main challenges and gaps in addressing verbal violence against children in Jordan. The analysis reveals that although verbal violence is prevalent and normalized, it is often justified as child discipline. Verbal violence is not explicitly criminalized; however, associated acts, such as shaming, defamation, slander, contempt, or threats, are prosecuted under general legal provisions without specific consideration for the child's vulnerability. Moreover, many procedural obstacles, such as reliance on guardians to initiate claims against these acts, hinder effective protection for children. The paper offers insights and recommendations relevant to policymakers, advocates, and scholars seeking to strengthen child protection laws in Jordan and in legal systems that face similar cultural and procedural constraints.