<p>We provide empirical evidence on the impact of domestic violence on marriage decisions. Analyzing anti-domestic violence legislation implemented worldwide between 1990 and 2023, we find that such laws lead to a significant increase in marriage rates, particularly in countries with strong rule of law. Our results further indicate that the effect is more pronounced where the legislation introduces civil protection orders and where women face greater risks of domestic violence. We also observe a substantial rise in divorce rates following the adoption of anti-domestic violence laws. Overall, our findings suggest that such legislation can enhance women’s willingness to enter into marriage by (1) reducing their risk of experiencing domestic violence and (2) lowering the costs associated with exiting a marriage.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Domestic violence and marriage: evidence from legal reforms worldwide

  • Huasheng Gao,
  • Vanya Petrova,
  • Mengfan Yin

摘要

We provide empirical evidence on the impact of domestic violence on marriage decisions. Analyzing anti-domestic violence legislation implemented worldwide between 1990 and 2023, we find that such laws lead to a significant increase in marriage rates, particularly in countries with strong rule of law. Our results further indicate that the effect is more pronounced where the legislation introduces civil protection orders and where women face greater risks of domestic violence. We also observe a substantial rise in divorce rates following the adoption of anti-domestic violence laws. Overall, our findings suggest that such legislation can enhance women’s willingness to enter into marriage by (1) reducing their risk of experiencing domestic violence and (2) lowering the costs associated with exiting a marriage.