This study aims to examine the complex relationship between child abuse and divorce within the Malaysian context, utilizing the ARDL approach. With a focus on the period spanning from 1989 to 2020, the primary objective was to uncover the dynamics underpinning the impact of child abuse on marital stability. The findings reveal that while female employment can positively influence divorce in the short run, this effect diminishes over the long run. Conversely, unemployment and poverty consistently positively impact divorce in the short and long run. Intriguingly, inflation emerges as a factor that can increase divorce rates in the long run. This research enriches the understanding of divorce determinants in Malaysia through a rigorous methodology and comprehensive analysis. The study's findings unveil a web of intriguing and sometimes unexpected connections between child abuse and divorce. Notably, the results demonstrate that the influence of child abuse on divorce extends to both short-term and long-term dynamics. This revelation underscores the urgency of addressing child abuse as a critical social issue and a potent determinant of family dissolution. By exposing the enduring link between child abuse and divorce, this research emphasises the need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard family cohesion and protect the well-being of children.
