Co-Occurrence of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse/Neglect
Co-occurrence exists when a
child is independently abused or neglected in a family where
domestic violence is also occurring. The abuse or neglect
may or may not be related to the domestic violence.
We know:
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It is estimated that
between 3.3 and 10 million children witness domestic
violence each year.
-
Approximately 50 percent of
men who frequently assaulted their wives indicated they
also abused their children.
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Domestic violence may be
the single major precursor to child abuse and neglect
fatalities in this country.
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Children who witness
violence suffer greater rates of depression, anxiety, post
traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug abuse and are
at greater risk of entering the juvenile and criminal
justice system, and have significantly lower academic
achievement.
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Studies indicate that 80 to
90 percent of children living in homes with domestic
violence are aware of the violence.
-
Slightly more than half of
female victims of intimate violence live in households
with children under age 12.
This does not mean that all
families experiencing domestic violence should be referred
to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) (or
equivalent) nor does it mean DCF will respond to all reports
of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a risk factor for
children. DCF, the court, and others examine factors that
can lead to a child safely remaining with the family or the
battered parent. Some of these factors may include whether
the caregiver demonstrates protective capacities; the
children show minimal behavioral or emotional effects; the
children have formed a relationship with a supportive adult;
an adequate safety plan is in place for the children; and
the violence is not currently escalating.
