Impact of Exposure to Domestic Violence on Children and Young People: A Review of the Literature

• NCJ Number: 224221
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 797-810
• Author(s): Stephanie Holt; Helen Buckley; Sadhbh Whelan
• Date Published: August 2008
• Length: 14 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Health Research Board of Ireland
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reports on a literature review regarding the impact of exposure to domestic violence on the health and developmental well-being of children and youth.

Abstract

The literature review indicates that children and adolescents who are exposed to domestic violence in their homes are at increased risk of experiencing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; of developing emotional and behavioral problems; and of increased exposure to other adversities in their lives. The research reviewed provides ample support for the theory of intergenerational transmission of violence, which holds that witnessing and experiencing violence as a child leads to a greater use or tolerance of violence as an adult. Longitudinal studies on pathways to delinquency show that young offenders are more likely to have been exposed to domestic violence, compared to their nonexposed counterparts, as well as to become involved in antisocial behavior, violent crime, substance abuse, further delinquency, and adult criminality. The literature review also identified a range of protective factors that could mitigate against this adverse impact of being exposed to domestic violence. One notable protective factor is a strong relationship with and attachment to a caring adult, usually the mother. Positive peer and sibling relationships also act as protective factors, along with the development of self-esteem. Implications for interventions suggest that timely, appropriate, and individually tailored responses should build on the resilient/protective factors in the child’s/youth’s life. The literature review involved a comprehensive search of relevant databases within an 11-year framework (1995-2006). This produced a vast literature that was selectively organized and analyzed according to the following domains: domestic-violence exposure and child abuse; impact on parental capacity; impact on child and adolescent development; and exposure to additional adversities. 144 references