NCJ Number
229854
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: January - February 2010 Pages: 5-20
Date Published
January 2010
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effects of intimate partner violence on children and the relationship between intimate partner violence and child abuse from a child-centered point of view.
Abstract
A substantial body of literature assessing the impact of intimate partner violence on children and associations between intimate partner violence and child abuse now exists. Central to knowledge about these areas of practice and research is a robust, child-centered consideration of some of the more challenging conceptual issues they give rise to. In this paper, the authors aim to stimulate debate by presenting a critical, child-centered perspective on the intersection between intimate partner violence and child abuse. Initially, they provide the context for the review by presenting a brief overview of the literature. Three central issues from a child-centered perspective are considered. The authors discuss the language used to describe children forced to live with intimate partner violence, and the importance of hearing children's perspectives on their experiences of such conflict. Finally, they consider similarities and differences between the intimate partner violence and child abuse fields from a child-centered viewpoint. The authors conclude that increasing conceptual clarity around these issues will enhance research in the field, and ultimately improve interventions designed to protect children forced to live with intimate partner violence. References (Published Abstract)