Prevalence and Effects of Child Exposure to Domestic Violence

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have focused attention on children who are exposed to domestic violence. Although presently there are no scientifically credible estimates of the national prevalence of children exposed to domestic violence, existing data suggest that large numbers of American children are affected. This article discusses the limitations of current databases and describes a promising model for the collection of reliable and valid prevalence data, the Spousal Assault Replication Program, which uses data collected through collaboration between police and university researchers.Research examining the effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence is also limited by a range of methodological problems. Despite this, however, sufficient evidence from the body of studies exists to conclude that such exposure has adverse effects. The specific effects may differ depending on a host of variables, such as the children's ages, the nature and severity of the violence, the existence of other risk factors in the children's lives (for example, poverty, parental substance abuse), and whether the children are also directly physically abused. In general, childhood exposure to domestic violence can be associated with increased display of aggressive behavior, increased emotional problems such as depression and/or anxiety, lower levels of social competence, and poorer academic functioning.A scientifically credible body of research on the prevalence and effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence is necessary to promote the development of effective interventions and to permit the proper channeling of public and private funds. This article identifies some of the steps that can be taken to build the research capacity necessary to obtain the needed data. In recent years, researchers have focused attention on children who are exposed to domestic violence. Although presently there are no scientifically credible estimates of the national prevalence of children exposed to domestic violence, existing data suggest that large numbers of American children are affected. This article discusses the limitations of current databases and describes a promising model for the collection of reliable and valid prevalence data, the Spousal Assault Replication Program, which uses data collected through collaboration between police and university researchers. Disciplines Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence | Education

Violence: Health in Sweden: The National Public Health Report 2012. Chapter 12

“…Today, more people in all age groups, with the exception of the most elderly (aged [65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84], report that they have been exposed to threats or violence…”

Quand le manque d’accès aux services en français revictimise les femmes victimes de violence conjugale et leurs enfants

“…Pour les enfants, l'exposition à la violence conjugale peut avoir des conséquences sur leur santé physique et mentale, sur leur comportement et sur leurs relations interpersonnelles, en plus d'avoir des répercussions sur le plan émotif, cognitif et scolaire (Brunet, 2008, Edleson, 1999Fantuzzo et Mohr, 1999;Holt, Buckley et Whelan, 2008;Kitzmann, et collab., 2003;Sternberg, et collab., 2006;Wolfe, et collab., 2003;Ybarra, Wilkens et Liberman, 2007). Néanmoins, plusieurs auteurs notent que ces difficultés ont tendance à s'estomper ou à disparaître lorsque les enfants se retrouvent dans un climat plus sécuritaire (Mullender, et collab., 2002).…”

La victimisation, une norme dans la vie des jeunes au Québec ?

“…La victimisation des jeunes est associée à divers problèmes d'adaptation (Olweus, 1993 ;Fantuzzo & Mohr, 1999 ;Margolin & Gordis, 2000 ;Kendall-Tackett, 2003 ;Putnam, 2003 ;Haugaard & Hazan, 2004 ;Jaffee et al, 2004 ;Messman-More et al, 2005) et constitue une préoc-cupation sociale importante. Plusieurs jeunes sont exposés à de multiples formes de victimisation et d'événements traumatiques au cours de leur vie (Duncan, 1999a(Duncan, , 1999bMenard, 2000 ;Perry et al, 2001 ;Finkelhor et al, 2007a), ce qui accroît leur risque de développer des symptômes de problèmes de santé mentale et des réactions traumatiques (Felitti et al, 1998 ;Arata et al, 2005 ;Finkelhor, 2007a).…”