Child Witnesses to Domestic Violence

Series Title:  State Statutes
Author(s):  Child Welfare Information Gateway
Year Published:  2013
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Current Through November 2012
To access the statutes for a specific State or territory, visit the State Statutes Search.

This factsheet discusses laws that extend legal protection to children who may be harmed by witnessing acts of domestic violence in their homes. The issues examined include the circumstances that constitute "witnessing" domestic violence and the legal consequence to persons who commit the domestic violence, such as enhanced penalties and fines. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.

Table of Contents

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Child witnesses to domestic violence. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

This publication is a product of the State Statutes Series prepared by Child Welfare Information Gateway. While every attempt has been made to be as complete as possible, additional information on these topics may be in other sections of a State's code as well as agency regulations, case law, and informal practices and procedures.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.