Domestic Violence and Child Delinquency: A Sociological Perspective

AbstractDomestic violence constitutes one of the most significant social problems affecting families and communities. Although domestic violence is frequently discussed in relation to the immediate victim, its consequences extend beyond the individual to children who either experience violence directly or witness violence between parents and other household members. This paper examines the relationship between domestic violence and child delinquency from a sociological perspective. The study adopts a qualitative, literature-based research design and draws upon sociological theories, empirical studies, systematic reviews, and reports from international and Nigerian institutions. Social Learning Theory provided the theoretical framework for explaining how violent family environments may contribute to delinquent behaviour among children and adolescents. The review indicates that children exposed to domestic violence may develop aggression, truancy, substance abuse, school misconduct, defiance of authority, antisocial behaviour, running away from home, stealing, fighting, and other forms of delinquency. However, domestic violence should not be regarded as an automatic or deterministic cause of delinquency. The relationship is influenced by factors such as poverty, peer relationships, parental supervision, school attachment, neighbourhood conditions, gender, psychological resilience, and access to social support (Su, 2024). Evidence from Nigeria demonstrates that violence against children is widespread and often occurs within environments where children should be protected, including the home. The paper argues that effective prevention of child delinquency requires interventions that address the family, school, community and wider structural conditions simultaneously. It recommends strengthening family support systems, positive parenting programmes, child protection mechanisms, school-based interventions, counselling services, community awareness, and policies aimed at reducing domestic violence and improving socioeconomic conditions.