Prevalence and Impact of Exposure to Childhood Domestic Violence on College Students’ Health and Perceived Academic Success

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This study aimed to understand the prevalence of childhood domestic violence (CDV) exposure among college students and the relationship between CDV exposure and college students’ perceived academic success and physical and mental health

Method

A web survey was conducted related to the prevalence of CDV and its impact on college students’ physical health, mental health, and perceived college success.

Results

Of the 822 responses, 44.8% (n = 368) of the participants were exposed to CDV. Those exposed to CDV reported poorer physical and mental health and diminished perceived college success.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the impact of exposure to violence during childhood is significant and has a cumulative effect. Future research should focus on students’ help-seeking for CDV and their experiences seeking services from campus resources. The study also indicates a need for educational staff and practitioners who work with college students to be educated on the impacts of CDV.

KEYWORDS:

• Domestic violence exposure
• adverse childhood experience
• university students

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Alexandra Portney for her editorial assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Verizon Foundation. and The SCORE Foundation;