Children Who Witness Woman Battering*

Abstract

This article argues that many children who witness their mother's battering are neglected by the child welfare system. Children who witness domestic violence are at risk for significant psychosocial deficits and direct abuse. Fifty‐nine social service professionals from Lincoln, Nebraska, who work with domestic violence were interviewed. Results indicated that while service providers were clinically sensitive to the problems experienced by children who witnessed domestic violence, only one in four stated they would make a report of suspected child abuse to social services based on witnessing alone. Legal and policy issues related to child witnessing are also discussed.