Parenting programmes reduce violence against teenage girls by over 60%

July 15, 2026 - 04:47

A new study from the University of Cape Town, conducted in partnership with the University of Oxford, reveals that structured parenting programs can dramatically reduce violence against adolescent girls. The research found that physical abuse dropped by 65 percent and emotional abuse fell by 59 percent when parents participated in these interventions.

The study focused on families in low-income communities where teenage girls face high risks of violence at home. Researchers tested a program that teaches parents positive discipline techniques, stress management, and ways to build stronger communication with their daughters. The results show that simple, low-cost training can change harmful behaviors that often go unaddressed.

Experts say the findings are significant because violence during adolescence can lead to long-term mental health problems, lower school attendance, and increased risk of future abuse. The programs do not just reduce hitting or yelling. They also help parents understand adolescent development and replace punishment with constructive guidance.

The research team hopes these results will encourage governments and aid organizations to invest more in parenting support. Currently, most anti-violence efforts focus on younger children or on adult victims. This study suggests that targeting the teenage years, when parent-child conflict often peaks, could be a highly effective strategy.

One researcher noted that many parents want to stop using violence but lack alternatives. The program gives them practical tools. The next step is to test whether these effects last over time and can be scaled up to reach millions of families worldwide.