Research on the Effects of Witnessing Parental Battering: Clinical and Legal Policy Implications (From Woman Battering: Policy Responses, P 237-261, 1991, Michael Steinman, ed. -- See NCJ-129473)

• NCJ Number: 129485
• Author(s): M Kenning; A Merchant; A Tomkins
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 25 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The research on the psychological effects that children experience after witnessing parental violence indicates the need for policies that provide for early intervention for the benefit of these children.

Abstract

The sparse literature on this topic suggests that witnessing battering is harmful to children, who may experience effects similar to those experienced by abused children. The impact may be indirect rather than direct and may be mediated by the mothers' health and availability to the children, stressful life events, and other factors. In addition, children in violent homes are at high risk of being physically abused. Furthermore, the psychological problems these children experience are all closely related to the types of problems seen in adult batterers and, to some extent, victims. Results indicate the need to require mental health professionals to conduct an evaluation of the family when woman battering is documented. In addition, more intrusive interventions are justified when less intrusive methods are not practical. However, care must be taken in using the law to prevent or remedy harms to children, so that battered women as well as their children are not handled as though they are passive objects of violent forces. 95 references