Intimate Partner Violence, Maternal Stress, Nativity, and Risk for Maternal Maltreatment of Young Children

Abstract

Objectives We examined the associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) and maternal risk factors with maternal child maltreatment risk within a diverse sample of mothers. Methods We derived the study sample (N=2508) from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study. We conducted regression analyses to examine associations between IPV, parenting stress, major depression, key covariates, and 4 proxy variables for maternal child maltreatment. Results Mothers reported an average of 25 acts of psychological aggression and 17 acts of physical aggression against their 3-year-old children in the year before the study, 11% reported some act of neglect toward their children during the same period, and55% had spankedtheir childrenduringthe previousmonth. About 40% of mothers had experienced IPV by their current partner. IPV and maternal parenting stress were both consistent risk factors for all 4 maltreatment proxy variables. Although foreign-born mothers reported fewer incidents of child maltreatment, the IPV relative risk for child maltreatment was greater for foreign-born than for US-born mothers. Conclusions Further integration of IPV and child maltreatment prevention and intervention efforts is warranted; such efforts must carefully balance the needs of adult and child victims.

Using an African American Lens to Explore the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Intimate Partner Violence

“…Parental conflict, which tends to compromise maternal warmth and support, was found to be a far stronger predictor for most aspects of maternal and child adjustment than social support (Dorsey et al, 2007). Even in the face of increased paternal involvement, mothers remain the primary caretakers in a majority of families (Dutton et.al, 2010;Taylor et al, 2009). Continued research into the relationship between mothering and IPV is crucial to gain a greater understanding of the impact of the compounding effects of the intersection of race, gender, class, and power on mothers (Dutton et.al, 2010;Taylor et al, 2009).…”

Perceived Social Norms, Expectations, and Attitudes toward Corporal Punishment among an Urban Community Sample of Parents

“…Child maltreatment is more common in homes where intimate partner aggression and violence (IPAV) occur. [1][2][3][4] And data are evolving to suggest that corporal punishment (CP), a strong risk factor for child maltreatment, 5,6 co-occurs with IPAV as well. 7,8 The link between CP and IPAV also is intergenerational as experiencing CP in childhood raises risk for subsequent aggression 5,9 and both CP and conduct disorder increase risk for later IPAV perpetration.…”

The Effectiveness of Skill-Based Intervention for Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Critical Review

“…Children of mothers who are exposed to IPV experience a variety of negative emotional and/or somatic symptoms often accompanied by multiple impairments in their own interpersonal relationships, as well as in many other aspects of their lives (Suglia, Enlow, Kullowatz, & Wright, 2009). These impairments include distress that mirrors their mothers' symptoms (Lang & Stover, 2008), higher vulnerability to abuse (Taylor, Guterman, Lee, & Rathouz, 2009), and maladaptive peer relations (Katz, Hunterm, & Klowden, 2008). Additionally, of significant concern is that research demonstrates exposure to parental violence is associated with violent interactions in adulthood (Ireland & Smith, 2009).…”