Children and Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence and Children

Recent research indicates that children who witness domestic violence show more anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, anger and temperament problems than children who do not witness violence in the home. Additionally, for some children who witness domestic violence, their developing world view can be affected in such a way that they learn violent behavior is acceptable.

Studies suggest that between 3.3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.[1]

There is no mechanism in place for the systematic collection of information on the prevalence of childhood exposure to domestic violence. King County relies on population estimates derived from the research literature findings. Locally, Public Health of  Seattle-King County and community partners conducted a comprehensive needs assessment on children exposed to domestic violence.[2] Their findings included:

• Approximately 39,064 to 78,129 children and youth living in King County are exposed to domestic violence yearly, based on national estimates and 2000 US Census data.
• At the time of referral to CPS, approximately 47% of families have indications of domestic violence.
• King County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Protection Order Advocacy Program indicated that 63% of families served included children on protection orders (1,691families with 2,879 children).
• In 2004, Family Court Services of King County completed 392 parenting plan assessments involving 572 children and youth. Of these family assessments, 49% (192) involved findings of domestic violence. This suggests that in half of the cases where parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan and require family court services, indications of domestic violence were revealed.
• Community-based domestic violence programs in King County provided services to 2,400 households in 2004. Of these households, 76% had children.

Services for Children Who Witness Domestic Violence

Some community-based domestic violence agencies have developed unique approaches to working with children, such as support groups and in-home follow-up. However, most agencies in King County do not offer services to children independent of their mothers’ participation in the program. Transitional housing services and emergency domestic violence shelters offer more extensive programming for children, including advocacy-based services, child care, parenting education, support groups and outings for children. In 2004, 825 children were served in all emergency shelters and transitional housing programs in King County.[3] Among the children served by King County domestic violence shelter programs in 2004:

• 72% were children of color
• 32% were African American
• 3% were Latino
• 78% were ten years of age or younger.

In light of this data, community members and the Safe and Bright Futures Needs Assessment (2006) recommends these next steps in order to fill service delivery gaps:

• Provide outreach to develop support networks for families that include cultural and language diversity and engage isolated families.
• Expand childcare support with trained personnel to work with children exposed to domestic violence including children’s advocacy and support groups, counseling and play therapy, and Kids’ Clubs.
• Increase basic needs services, such as shelter services, transitional and long-term housing and transportation services.
• Provide community wide education campaigns that have culturally-specific definitions of domestic violence and provide information on how to help and support families living with domestic violence.
• Work to prevent children and youth from repeating the cycle of violence; stop children's exposure to violence; and provide early and appropriate interventions once violence has occurred.

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