NCJ Number
211417
Date Published
2005
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This resource guide provides information on the relationship between childhood exposure to violence and substance abuse.
Abstract
Previous research has documented the relationship between domestic violence and substance abuse among women. Researchers are increasingly focusing their attention on how exposure to violence, particularly domestic violence, affects children. Preliminary research has suggested that severe emotional and psychological damage is more likely among children exposed to violence at an early age. This resource guide presents current research and information on the link between childhood exposure to violence and substance abuse. Following the overview, the first section focuses on substance and alcohol abuse among the perpetrators of family violence and its impact on children. The main question addressed in this section involves the extent to which alcohol and other drug use among domestic violence perpetrators is related to the commission of violence against children. The second section addresses the link between violent victimization among children and subsequent alcohol and substance abuse, presenting research findings on the relationship between early child victimization and subsequent risk for alcohol and drug arrests. The third section provides general research findings on the consequences of childhood exposure to violence, including risk for later perpetration of child abuse among those exposed to violence during childhood and the relationship between childhood maltreatment and juvenile delinquency. Finally, national databases, national organizations, and Internet resources on the topic are identified.