Experiences of childhood violence and violence perpetration and the association with inequitable gender norms and violence justification have been extensively studied in non-humanitarian settings, and among older populations. However, there is a gap in understanding these associations within humanitarian contexts, particularly from the perspective of children and youth.

Using data from the Uganda Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey, this paper explores associations between endorsement of inequitable gender norms, intimate partner violence (IPV) justification, and experiences of violence and/or perpetration of violence in childhood.

Experience of any childhood violence was significantly associated with an increase in endorsement of inequitable gender norms among females and IPV justification. These findings suggest the need for gender-transformative violence prevention interventions that start early in the life course and that address inequitable gender socialisation and power relations.