Saturday, 15 January 2005 - 10:40 AM

This presentation is part of: Domestic Violence and Child Welfare

Trauma Symptomatology of Primary and Secondary Victims of Domestic Violence: An Investigation of Child Advocacy Efforts using Mixed Methodologies

Purpose: Estimates indicate that nearly 10 million children between the ages of three and seventeen years are exposed to domestic violence (Strauss, 1991) Children exposed to family violence are at an increased risk of developing internalized and externalized behavior problems (Hughes and Barad, 1983; Jouriles et al, 1987; NICHD; 2002; Rosenbaum& O’Leary, 1981). According to National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2002), there is a paucity of research related to the impact and consequences of childhood exposure to domestic violence. The purpose of this study is to add to the limited body of knowledge that exists regarding this population. Attachment theory and social learning theory are employed to guide the research.

Methods: The authors examined six months of data taken from admissions records of the CAC. Client records included the results of scores on four standardized scales including: 1) The Trauma Symptom Checklist (Brierre); 2) The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (Brierre); The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (Brierre); and 4) the CBCL (Achenbach) (n=80). Qualitative procedures utilizing a grounded method design included structured interviews and focus group analysis. Quantitative procedures included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and logistic regression.

Results: Findings demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between caregiver trauma and the trauma of both primary and secondary victims. Preliminary results suggest that while there is no statistically significant difference among children who actually see the violent episodes and those exposed to the violence in non-visual ways, there is a statistically significant difference between those children who attempt to intervene and those who do not.

Implications: This study adds to the limited knowledge about the impact of domestic violence on secondary victims. Further, research outcomes strongly suggest the need for social work interventions designed for child witnesses to both sibling and parental abuse.

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