NCJ Number
229008
Date Published
2004
Length
138 pages
Annotation
Based on a literature review, extensive clinical practice, and case studies, this report presents only the "best evidence" of how children and adolescents in various stages of development may be adversely affected by various types of violence between family members, and implications are drawn for intervention.
Abstract
The report first raises some questions about how "inter-parental violence" is defined and measured in research, and it suggests some refinements to the current measurement techniques. Further, it suggests that researchers should progress from descriptive studies to assist with the development and evaluation of interventions. The report also proposes an alternative framework in which to study and understand children exposed to inter-parental violence and their needs, as well as a developmental framework that aids in understanding what is occurring in the lives of children exposed to such violence, in designing interventions, and in evaluating their effectiveness. Basic principles for assessment and intervention are suggested. One section of the report addresses the impact on a child's prenatal development of violence experienced by a woman during pregnancy, and implications are drawn for intervention. The same type of analysis is presented for other stages of a child's development, namely, as infants and toddlers, preschoolers, school-age, and adolescence. The report concludes with a discussion of the overall implications for intervention. The themes addressed are the elimination of abuse, the amelioration of other adversities and family challenges through the encouragement of effective parenting, and holistic interventions with the child. The latter involves an assessment that focuses on the specific features of the violence to which the child has been exposed and how it has been perceived by the child and affected his/her development. Guidance is provided on whether or not an intervention for a child is warranted, and if so, what it should involve. Approximately 100 references and appended reports on related research