The effects of witnessing domestic violence on young children's psycho-social adjustment

Abstract

Many researchers have examined the serious consequences that spouse abuse may have on battered women's physical and psychological health. Considerably less attention has been given to the effects on children of witnessing domestic violence. This article reports an empirical study which examined the effects of witnessing domestic violence on the psycho-social adjustment of 54 young children aged three to six years. The children's adjustment was examined using the Child Behaviour Checklist and 42 percent of the children exhibited behavioural problems in the clinical range on this measure. Significant correlations were found between the children's adjustment and the amount of verbal aggression and domestic violence in the home prior to parental separation. The implications of the research for social work and family violence policy and practice are also discussed.