Infants Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: Issues of Gender and Sex

Abstract

A review of the literature finds that the development of infants exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) may vary across sex as boys display more externalizing behavior, while girls show more internalizing behavior. Given this trend, gender-and sex-based analysis (GSBA) may play a critical role in understanding and improving the adjustment of these infants. Researchers are often encouraged to include gender and sex into their analysis, though they are rarely afforded appropriate direction in this process. The intention of this article is to provide guidance in GSBA for research on infant development in families affected by IPV. We present a discussion on GSBA, a review of the literature, explanations for differences in male and female infant development, a set of research priorities, and directions for future work. Findings suggest that a better understanding of the complexities in the adjustment of violence-exposed infants through GSBA may promote childhood development.

The Experience of the Infant Entering Refuge (Shelter) Setting with Their Mothers After Fleeing Family Violence

“…Infants, Family Violence and Homelessness Although much has been written about the detrimental impacts of ongoing relational trauma on the developing infant (Corvo 2019;Gilbert et al 2009;Schechter et al 2019;Tailor and Letourneau 2012), there have been few attempts to explore the perspective of the traumatised infant, or recognise those infants most clearly 'at risk' and needing Refuge in times of crisis. These infants and mothers are not only impacted by family violence but homelessness and the challenges of navigating the crisis accommodation system.…”