NCJ Number
166640
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1996) Pages: 113-128
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Data from 60 children ages 8-11 years were analyzed to determine the relationship between exposure to domestic assault and the child's functional adaptation.
Abstract
The participants were referred by their parents to three nonshelter agencies in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. The programs provide education, supportive therapy, and self-help groups to all family members when violence is or has been occurring. The research correlated exposure to family violence directed against a spouse or child with the child's vulnerability, resilience, and protective factors. Results revealed that all the children witnessed violence between the parents. All but two children were also the targets of violence. The male and female children were similar in their exposure to violence. Results also revealed that exposure was related to a child's self-worth and to behavior problems. However, these relationships varied by gender, support, and the type of functioning being measured. Exposure was positively correlated with behavior problems among females and negatively correlated with self-worth among males. High levels of support protected only males from the effects of exposure. Tables, figure, and 64 references (Author abstract modified)