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Parental Leave and Intimate Partner Violence

Author

Listed:
  • N. Meltem Daysal
  • Dan Anderberg
  • Line Hjorth Andersen
  • Mette Ejrnæs

Abstract

We examine the impact of a 2002 Danish parental leave reform on intimate partner violence (IPV) using administrative data on assault-related hospital contacts. Using a regression discontinuity design, we show that extending fully paid leave increased mothers' leave-taking and substantially reduced IPV, with effects concentrated among less-educated women. The reform also lengthened birth spacing, while separations remained unchanged and earnings effects were modest. The timing and heterogeneity of impacts point to fertility adjustments-rather than exit options or financial relief-as the key mechanism. Parental leave policy thus emerges as an underexplored lever for reducing IPV.

Suggested Citation

  • N. Meltem Daysal & Dan Anderberg & Line Hjorth Andersen & Mette Ejrnæs, 2025. "Parental Leave and Intimate Partner Violence," RFBerlin Discussion Paper Series 25132, ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin (RFBerlin).
    • Handle: RePEc:crm:wpaper:25132
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    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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