NCJ Number
228652
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 648-660
Date Published
September 2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the social and emotional adjustment in a sample of children in families with varying levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) and explored factors that differentiate children with poor adjustment from those with resilience.
Abstract
Results of this study indicate factors related to the child, to the mother, and to the family distinguished different profiles of adjustment for children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) who are living in the community. Resilient children had less violence exposure, fewer fears and worries, and mothers with better mental health and parenting skills. The results of the study provide useful information on the types of problems that are found for children exposed to domestic violence living in the community setting. Services should be targeted at both the child and the parent. The purpose of this study was to attempt to delineate clusters of adaptation following children's exposure to IPV with a non-shelter sample and begin to examine various risk and protective factors that might distinguish one form of adjustment from another. Mothers who experienced IPV in the past year and their children ages 6 to 12 were interviewed with assessments of family violence, parenting, family functioning, maternal mental health, and children's adjustment and beliefs. Tables and references