The Developmental Impact of Intimate Partner Violence and Evidence-Based Treatments for School-Aged Children
Date
2017-09-29
Authors
Smith, Graham
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Abstract
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue impacting children, youth and families. While IPV creates immediate risks that relate to safety and well-being, this form of violence also impacts life course development in multiple and serious ways. For children, IPV exposure can set in motion a trajectory of difficulties or a cascading effect that results in compounding difficulties as exposed children move through their growth and development. Developing a clearer understanding of the developmental impact of intimate partner violence on children and youth is a focus for the Family Resource Association (FRA). This agency has the goal of providing well-informed, evidence-based services that are based on the most recent developmental research related to the impacts and treatment of IPV. To support the goals of this agency, this project examines in detail the research on IPV impact from development in utero through to developmental outcomes in adolescence. Incorporated in this exploration is a specific focus on the impact for boys as well as the impact of IPV on children`s care-giving systems, especially as it relates to victimized mothers. Research indicates that IPV can affect a caregiver's ability to provide guidance and support because this experience adversely impacts their mental, emotional and physical health, which in turn creates additional adverse impacts for children. Finally this project reviews, in detail, four treatment approaches shown to be effective in treating children exposed to IPV and provides recommendations for treatment.
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Keywords
Intimate Partner Violence, Developmental Impact, Evidence-Based Treatments