Child marriage is often discussed as an issue affecting girls, but a new study shows that boys who marry before 18 also face long-term consequences that may increase the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) later in life.

Published in Nature Health last week, the study found that children married before 18 were more likely to commit violence against their female partners and were also more likely to experience violence from their partners. The findings highlight the need to address child marriage among both girls and boys as part of efforts to promote healthy relationships, gender equality and violence prevention.

The study involved researchers from China, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the United States and other countries. Hajirani Msuya of Ifakara Health Institute was among the co-authors, contributing to the multi-country research.

Using nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data collected between 2010 and 2025, researchers analyzed information from more than 154,000 men across 41 low- and middle-income countries to assess IPV perpetration against female partners. They also examined data from 28,175 men in 10 countries to assess men as victims of violence from their female partners.

Young men are particularly affected

The researchers found that child marriage accounted for an estimated 17%–25% of IPV cases among men aged 20–24 years.

After accounting for factors such as age, education, household wealth and place of residence, men who married before the age of 18 were:

• 18% more likely to perpetrate any form of IPV
• 24% more likely to perpetrate physical violence
• 17% more likely to perpetrate psychological violence.

They were also 33% more likely to experience IPV themselves and 50% more likely to experience physical violence from their partners.

These findings suggest that child marriage may contribute to unhealthy relationship dynamics that increase the likelihood of violence affecting both partners.

Early marriage can create lifelong challenges

The study found that boys who marry early often assume adult responsibilities before they are emotionally, socially and financially prepared.

Many leave school early, have fewer employment opportunities and experience financial hardship while trying to support their families. Combined with traditional expectations that men should be household providers and decision-makers, these pressures can increase stress within relationships.

The authors also note that young couples may lack the communication and conflict-resolution skills needed to manage disagreements peacefully, increasing the risk that conflicts escalate into violence.

Why these findings matter

While global efforts to end child marriage have focused largely on protecting girls, the study shows that boys who marry early also face significant social, economic and health consequences that can affect their relationships, family well-being and the safety of their partners.

The researchers recommend expanding child marriage prevention programmes to include boys and call for targeted support for young men who marry early. Such programmes should promote healthy relationships, strengthen conflict-resolution skills, challenge harmful gender norms and improve access to education and livelihood opportunities.

These efforts could help reduce intimate partner violence and support progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.2, which calls for ending all forms of violence against women and girls.

Read the publication here.