ABSTRACT
Global scholarship has often explored the experiences of adult survivors of domestic violence, their responses, judgements and behaviours. However, little attention has been given to young adults reflecting on childhood exposure to family violence, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study investigates the long-term psychological, social and emotional consequences of growing up in violent homes in Nigeria, a country where patriarchal norms, cultural silence and weak institutional responses often normalise family violence. Sixty-nine interviews were conducted among young adults aged 19–27, and a thematic analysis of the narratives was carried out. Findings demonstrate how early exposure to family violence acts as a pivotal developmental event, shaping identity, relationships and aspirations into adulthood. Patriarchal norms were especially prominent, with male dominance and female endurance normalised as household ideals. The study underscores the urgent need for child-focused interventions, trauma-informed psychosocial support and culturally sensitive prevention strategies. The findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, gender-informed, child-focused interventions, as well as culturally sensitive and gender-responsive prevention strategies that address the long-term effects of growing up in violent families within the Nigerian context.