Treatment for Children and Youth Affected by Domestic Violence

The following resources describe intervention and treatment models and strategies that address the trauma children and youth may experience when they are exposed to domestic violence. Resources include State and local examples.

Attachment and Trauma: An Integrated Approach to Treating Young Children Exposed to Family Violence
Busch & Lieberman (2007)
In Attachment Theory in Clinical Work With Children: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice
View Abstract
Describes strategies for using attachment relationships to facilitate children's recovery from trauma related to domestic violence.

Changed Lives: A New Relative Caregiver Reflects on the Challenges and Triumphs Caring for Her Niece's Two Children
Brady
Connect, 2, 2007
Discusses the impact domestic violence has on children's behavior, the benefits of providing love, counseling, and physical exercise, and tips for adults caring for foster children affected by domestic violence.

Complex Trauma and Crisis Intervention With Children in Shelters for Battered Women
Lehmann & Spence (2007)
In Battered Women and Their Families: Intervention Strategies and Treatment Programs
View Abstract
Presents a model of crisis intervention with children who may be experiencing complex trauma behaviors and who are residing in shelters for battered women.

Emerging Responses to Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Edelson & Nissley (2006)
Explores recent research, policies, and programs related to responding to children exposed to domestic violence.

Interventions Addressing Child Exposure to Trauma: Part 1—Child Maltreatment (PDF - 533 KB)
Effective Health Care Program (2012)
Reviews psychosocial interventions for children exposed to trauma to create a framework that categorizes interventions used to address the negative impact of child maltreatment and family violence on children's well-being as either clinical-level or system-level in approach.

Intervention and Treatment Strategies With Adolescents From Maritally Violent Homes
O'Keefe & Lebovics (2007)
In Battered Women and Their Families: Intervention Strategies and Treatment Programs
View Abstract
Discusses common adolescent reactions to witnessing marital violence and ways in which exposure to marital violence may impede adolescent development.

Interventions for Children Exposed to Violence
Lieberman & DeMartino (2006)
View Abstract
Draws on a roundtable conference that brought together professionals from the fields of health care, mental health, public policy, law, and economics to explore exposure to and experience with violence among children, the effects of violence on future development, and promising interventions for children exposed to violence.

Play Therapy With Children in Crisis: Individual, Group, and Family Treatment
Webb (3rd ed.) (2007)
View Abstract
Helps practitioners more effectively treat children and their families dealing with anxiety resulting from crises and trauma. The approaches to therapy presented include group, family, and individual play interventions in different types of settings.

Posttraumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents Exposed to Family Violence: II. Treatment
Vickerman & Margolin
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(6), 2007
View Abstract
Describes treatment components for youth exposed to violence in the home, including reexposure interventions, education about violence and cognitive restructuring, processing of emotional cues, social problem-solving skills, and parenting interventions.

Psychosocial Interventions for Maltreated and Violence-Exposed Children
Cohen, Mannarino, Murray, & Igelman
Journal of Social Issues, 62(4), 2006
View Abstract
Reviews randomized, controlled studies that have assessed child mental health outcomes for maltreated and violence-exposed children.

A Safe Place to Grow: A Group Treatment Manual for Children in Conflicted, Violent, and Separating Homes
Roseby, Johnston, Gentner, & Moore (2005)
View Abstract
Presents a step-by-step group treatment model for treating children who have experienced chronic conflict or violence within their families.

Working With Traumatized Infants and Toddlers in the Child Welfare System
Smyke, Wajda-Johnston, & Zeanah (2004)
In Young Children and Trauma: Intervention and Treatment
View Abstract
Provides information about the specific types of treatment useful in the management of traumatized infants and toddlers.

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State and local examples

Integrating Mental Health, Education, and Child Welfare Interventions for Preschoolers With Severe Maltreatment Histories
Sites, Wade, & Putnam
APSAC Advisor: American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, 19(3), 2007
View Abstract
Describes the Therapeutic Interagency Preschool program, a county-level Head Start day treatment program developed specifically to target highly disadvantaged children who have experienced various forms of abuse and domestic violence in four Ohio communities.

North Carolina Child Response Initiative Team
Describes a community collaborative program of police officers and mental health clinicians dedicated to reducing the effects of trauma and violence for children and families in Durham County, North Carolina.

Treating Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Carter, Kay, George, & King (2003)
View Abstract
Describes outcomes of a pilot program designed to provide treatment to children who have been exposed to domestic violence, to provide treatment to their parents, to measure the effectiveness of that treatment, and to develop interagency treatment protocols that other agencies could replicate.

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