Resilience as a Protective Factor in Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

Abstract

Resilience can be defined as adaptability to change and capacity for successful adaptation, despite challenges and difficult circumstances. Every day a large number of children experience violence, which takes many forms and occurs in different contexts. It is first necessary to distinguish whether the child was directly abused by the parents or the environment or was just present with violence. It is also necessary to pay attention to the age of the child, his level of development, and understanding of violence. These are some of the factors that can affect the consequences in the future. The chapter will explore theoretical and practical aspects on the topic of risks and resilience associated with violence in the family and the environment. The chapter will also present models of resilience, as well as research conducted, which aims to reduce the level of violence against children.