Citation

Howell KH, Barnes SE, Miller LE, Graham-Bermann SA. J. Inj. Violence Res. 2016; 8(1): 43-57.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, US. Email: k.howell@memphis.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences)

DOI

10.5249/jivr.v8i1.663

PMID

26804945

PMCID

PMC4729333

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive problem impacting individuals around the globe. The consequences of IPV extend beyond the adults in the relationship, as children witness a significant proportion of such violence. Exposure to IPV during childhood has devastating effects across multiple domains of functioning.

METHODS: This article reviews empirical studies of the effects of exposure to IPV by developmental stage.

RESULTS: The psychological, social, physical, and cognitive consequences of witnessing IPV are examined across development; from the impact of prenatal exposure to effects in infancy and toddlerhood, the preschool years, school-aged children, and adolescence.

CONCLUSIONS: The review concludes by providing suggestions for future research based on the identified developmental variations, recommendations for developmentally-sensitive interventions for children who have witnessed IPV, and directions for policy to address the issue of violence exposure early in the lives of children.

Language: en