To What Extent is Child-to-Parent Violence Known in Latin America? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background/Aim: Child-to-parent violence is an increasingly frequent problem in which children assume the role of aggressors, causing serious consequences for family dynamics. The objectives of this study were to systematise studies of child-parent violence in Latin America and to analyse their frequency by means of a meta-analysis of proportions. Methods: This study followed The PRISMA 2020 criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed according to the criteria of reiterated violence and zero-tolerance, and publication bias and heterogeneity were analysed. Results: Sixteen primary studies were included. Most of the studies have been conducted in M & eacute;xico and Chile. Psychological violence showed a greater magnitude toward the mother, whereas physical violence showed very similar magnitudes for both parents. Discussion: The findings confirm the scarce evidence on child-parent violence in Latin American countries, but this does not mean that it is a non-existent problem. In fact, reiterated psychological violence could be exercised between 23% and 25%, and reiterated physical violence between 6% and 5% towards the father and mother, respectively.