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发帖数: 788 | 1 Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/domestic_violence/impact.cfm
A growing body of literature shows that children who have been exposed to
domestic violence are more likely than their peers to experience a wide
range of difficulties. These difficulties fall into three main categories:
Behavioral, social, and emotional problems. Children in families
experiencing domestic violence are more likely than other children to
exhibit aggressive and antisocial behavior or to be depressed and anxious (
Brown & Bzostek, 2003). Other researchers have found higher levels of anger,
hostility, oppositional behavior, and disobedience; fear and withdrawal;
poor peer, sibling, and social relationships; and low self-esteem.
Cognitive and attitudinal problems. Children exposed to domestic
violence are more likely to experience difficulties in school and score
lower on assessments of verbal, motor, and cognitive skills. Slower
cognitive development, lack of conflict resolution skills, limited problem
solving skills, pro-violence attitudes, and belief in rigid gender
stereotypes and male privilege are other issues identified in the research (
Brown & Bzostek, 2003; Edleson, 2006).
Long-term problems. Research indicates that males exposed to domestic
violence as children are more likely to engage in domestic violence as
adults; similarly, females are more likely to be victims (Brown & Bzostek,
2003). Higher levels of adult depression and trauma symptoms also have been
found (Silvern et al., 1995). Exposure to domestic violence is also one of
several adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that have been shown to
contribute to premature death, as well as risk factors for many of the most
common causes of death in the United States. (For more information, visit
the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study website: www.acestudy.
orgexternal link)
Despite these sobering findings, not all children exposed to domestic
violence will experience such negative effects. Children's risk levels and
reactions to domestic violence exist on a continuum; some children
demonstrate enormous resiliency, while others show signs of significant
maladaptive adjustment. Protective factors such as social competence,
intelligence, high self-esteem, outgoing temperament, strong sibling and
peer relationships, and a supportive relationship with an adult (especially
a nonabusive parent) can help protect children from the adverse effects of
exposure to domestic violence (Edleson, 2004; Hughes, Graham-Bermann, &
Gruber, 2001; Carlson, 2000).
Additional factors that influence the impact of domestic violence on
children include:
Nature of the violence. Children who witness frequent and severe forms
of violence or fail to observe their caretakers resolving conflict may
undergo more distress than children who witness fewer incidences of physical
violence and experience positive interactions between their caregivers.
Age of the child. Younger children appear to exhibit higher levels of
emotional and psychological distress than older children. Age-related
differences might result from older children's more fully developed
cognitive abilities to understand the violence and select various coping
strategies to alleviate upsetting symptoms.
Elapsed time since exposure. Children often have heightened levels of
anxiety and fear immediately after a violent event. Fewer observable effects
are seen in children as time passes after the violent event.
Gender. In general, boys exhibit more externalized behaviors (e.g.,
aggression and acting out) while girls exhibit more internalized behaviors (
e.g., withdrawal and depression).
Presence of child physical or sexual abuse. Children who witness
domestic violence and are physically abused are at higher risk for emotional
and psychological maladjustment than children who witness violence and are
not abused (Rosewater & Goodmark, 2007; Edleson, 2004).
Comprehensive assessment regarding children's experiences and trauma
symptoms, as well as the protective factors present, should inform decision-
making regarding the types of services and interventions needed for
individual children and families living with violence. |
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