Lit Review on Domestic Violence
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 1
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Theodore Ratto
Cal Sate East Bay
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2
Abstract
Domestic violence is widespread not just throughout our country but throughout the world. After reviewing the effects it has on children it is evident that this issue demands more attention. Domestic violence has been researched for decades and the common thread found amongst studies is the harsh physical, psychological, and emotional effects it has on children whom are merely innocent bystanders in this battle field they call home. Studies also cover the developmental difficulties these children face and signs to look for when a child may be witnessing a parent being abuse or worse, being abused as well. Lastly, as the most important result of research, it is discussed ways to help these children of victimization.
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 3
The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Introduction Domestic violence has manifested its destructive cycle throughout society and who it affects and damages the most is what Joy Osofsky refers to as its “invisible victims”, the children. Violence in the family is defined by Horner (2005) by a variety of names: intimate partner abuse, family violence, wife beating, bettering, marital abuse, and partner abuse, to name a few (pg. 206). Domestic violence is not any single behavior but rather a pattern of many physical, sexual, and/or psychological behaviors perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner. Violence between adult partners occurs in all social classes, all ethnic groups and cultures, all age groups, in disabled as well as able bodied, and in both homosexual and heterosexual relationships (Hall, 1998, pg 1). Research shows us the different way children deal with the abuse or witness of abuse, by differentiating external and internal behavior problems. To describe
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Theodore Ratto
Cal Sate East Bay
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2
Abstract
Domestic violence is widespread not just throughout our country but throughout the world. After reviewing the effects it has on children it is evident that this issue demands more attention. Domestic violence has been researched for decades and the common thread found amongst studies is the harsh physical, psychological, and emotional effects it has on children whom are merely innocent bystanders in this battle field they call home. Studies also cover the developmental difficulties these children face and signs to look for when a child may be witnessing a parent being abuse or worse, being abused as well. Lastly, as the most important result of research, it is discussed ways to help these children of victimization.
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 3
The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Introduction Domestic violence has manifested its destructive cycle throughout society and who it affects and damages the most is what Joy Osofsky refers to as its “invisible victims”, the children. Violence in the family is defined by Horner (2005) by a variety of names: intimate partner abuse, family violence, wife beating, bettering, marital abuse, and partner abuse, to name a few (pg. 206). Domestic violence is not any single behavior but rather a pattern of many physical, sexual, and/or psychological behaviors perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner. Violence between adult partners occurs in all social classes, all ethnic groups and cultures, all age groups, in disabled as well as able bodied, and in both homosexual and heterosexual relationships (Hall, 1998, pg 1). Research shows us the different way children deal with the abuse or witness of abuse, by differentiating external and internal behavior problems. To describe
References: Berrios, D. C. (1991). Domestic Violence: Risk Factors and Outcomes. The Western Journal of Medicine, 155(2), 133-135. Carter, J. (2000, November 12). Link: Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, and Youth Violence: Strategies for Prevention and Early Intervention. MINCAVA Electronic Clearinghouse. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.mincava.umn.edu/link/documents/fvpf2/fvpf2.shtml Hall, D. (1998). Violence Begins at Home. British Medical Journal, 316, 1545-1552. Hornor, G. (2005). Domestic Violence and Children. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 19(4), 206-212. Osofsky, J. D. (1995). Children Who Witness Domestic Violence: The Invisible Victims. Social Policy Report, 9(3), 1-20. Sternberg, K. J., Lamb, M. E., Greenbaum, C., Cicchetti, D., Dawud, S., Cortes, R. M., et al. (1993). Effects of Domestic Violence on Children 's Behavior Problems and Depression. Developmental Psychology, 29(1), 44-52.