Psychosocial Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

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The Psychosocial Effect of Domestic Violence on Children Research shows that children living in families where there is domestic violence are at an increased risk for psychosocial problems. In one study it showed that the greater the frequency and severity of violence between parents, the children in the home had more severe behavioral problems (Fredland, Gist, Lemmey, Malecha, McFarland & Schultz, 2001). A longitudinal study of children twelve months to two years revealed that infants from abusive families were less independent and imitated behavior at play than those who were not exposed to domestic violence, which suggested a delay in new social behavior (Valentino, Cicchetti, Toth, & Rogosch, 2011). Margolin and Gordis (2004) also found that children exposed to violence between their parents we more likely to be violent themselves, or be a victim of violence with-in a family. Finally, another study states that young males exposed to domestic violence are at greater risk for aggression as children and adolescents as well as violence with romantic partners in adulthood (Gonzales, Chronister, Linville, & Knoble, 2012 Domestic violence is a chronic problem that is widespread in virtually every country. It occurs in every religious, economic, education and social group (Ghasemi, 2009). Domestic violence is emotional, verbal, physical or sexual abuse between family members and/or intimate partners (Gonzales et al., 2012). It may include hitting, pushing, threatening, throwing objects, rape or making derogatory remarks (Ghasemi, 2009). Over fifteen million American children live in households where violence against a parent or intimate partner occurred over the last year (Valentino et al., 2011). For this reason it is imperative for research to continue regarding short and long term effects this violence has on the psychosocial aspects of our children.
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