Adverse Childhood Experiences of Referred Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: Consequences for Their Wellbeing

• NCJ Number: 238316
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2012 Pages: 166-179
• Author(s): Francien Lamers-Winkelman; Agnes M. Willemen; Margreet Visser
• Date Published: February 2012
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between the severity and duration of intimate partner violence (IPV), the presence of adverse childhood experiences other than IPV, and the level of behavioral and emotional problems found in a sample of Dutch children exposed to IPV.

Abstract

Findings from the study include the following: children exposed to episodes of intimate partner violence (IPV) were also more likely to be exposed to other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction; the number of other ACEs ranged from two to nine, with a mean of 5.08; and the presence of behavioral and emotional problems exhibited by the children was associated with their exposure to IPV. The study also found that girls were more likely than boys to be exposed to more types of ACEs such as sexual abuse and emotional abuse, and that the severity and duration of the IPV did not have a significant effect on levels of behavioral and emotional problems. This study examined the relationship between the severity and duration of IPV, the presence of ACEs other than IPV, and the level of behavioral and emotional problems in a sample of Dutch children exposed to IPV. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of Dutch children (n=208, aged 2-12 years old) who were referred to mental health and welfare institutions following substantiation of IPV. The study obtained demographic information on the children and their families along with information on the severity and duration of IPV, the presence of ACEs, and the level of emotional behavioral problems and trauma symptoms exhibited by the children. The findings indicate that while children exposed to IPV experience higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems, the level of these problems is not affected by the presence of ACEs. Implications for the development of mental health interventions are discussed. Tables, figures, and references