Impact of Domestic Violence on Children and Youth

Children and youth who are exposed to domestic violence experience emotional, mental, and social damage that can affect their developmental growth. Some children lose the ability to feel empathy for others. Others feel socially isolated, unable to make friends as easily due to social discomfort or confusion over what is acceptable. In order to respond to the overwhelming issues associated with domestic violence, child welfare professionals need to understand these issues and know how to identify them as well as assess and provide treatment to children and youth affected by domestic violence. This section provides information and resources on the impact that domestic violence has on children and youth as well as resources on how to respond it.

Behind Closed Doors: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children (PDF - 1750 KB)
UNICEF (2006)
Discusses the impact of domestic violence on children's physical, emotional, and social development both during childhood and later in life.

Boys Will Be Boys: Understanding the Impact of Child Maltreatment and Family Violence on the Sexual, Reproductive, and Parenting Behaviors of Young Men (PDF - 1680 KB)
Kahn & Paluzzi (2006)
Describes the long-term impact of child maltreatment and family violence on males, and discusses the roles of practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and educators in addressing these issues.

Children Living With Domestic Violence Impacts and Resilience
Radford & Hester (2006)
In Mothering Through Domestic Violence
View Abstract
Discusses the impact of living with and witnessing violence on children, including effects on educational achievement and developmental delays, bedwetting, health problems, and social difficulties.

Children's Exposure to Domestic Violence: A Guide to Research and Resources (PDF - 1809 KB)
Summers (2006)
Designed to help judges and practitioners identify and understand the key issues surrounding children's exposure to domestic violence.

Consequences of Childhood Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (PDF - 1210 KB)
Emery (2006)
Presents research findings on the consequences of exposure to intimate partner violence on children.

The Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Children
Geffner, Igelman, & Zellner (Eds.) (2003)
View Abstract
Discusses children's reactions to domestic violence and describes treatment models that address the emotional and behavioral problems associated with witnessing the abuse of a parent.

The Emotional Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
McGee (2005)
Explores the effects of domestic violence on both children and the family. Addresses attachment issues; the impact of trauma; and the impact of violence on mental, emotional, and intellectual development.

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Infant Health Factors and Child Maltreatment
McGuigan
APSAC Advisor: American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, 19(1-2), 2007
View Abstract
Investigates the impact of domestic violence on several infant health factors and subsequent incidents of child maltreatment.

Incidence and Prevalence of Children Exposed to Violence: A Research Review
Edmond, Fitzgerald, & Kracke (2005)
View Abstract
Explores the incidence of children who are exposed to violence and the impact of this exposure on child development.

Little Eyes, Little Ears: How Violence Against a Mother Shapes Children as They Grow (PDF - 380 KB)
Cunningham & Baker (2007)
Addresses how violence may be experienced by children of different ages, from infancy to adolescence.

The Medical and Developmental Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Stirling (2005)
Explains the effects of a chaotic and violent environment on the developing brain and suggests reasons why the cycle of violence is so hard for some victims to break.

What About Me!: Seeking to Understand a Child's View of Violence in the Family (PDF - 1290 KB)
Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System (2004)
Explores the impact of family violence on children and adolescents.