Domestic violence crimes and child exposure: A population-based investigation of direct sensory exposure and the nature of involvement

Children\u27s exposure to domestic violence is a major national problem (National Institute of Justice, 2007). Researchers and policymakers have called for research guided by comprehensive conceptual frameworks to advance our understanding of this complex risk to children\u27s physical and psychological well-being (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). The present study is a replication and extension of a series of programmatic studies using a developmental epidemiological model to explore the prevalence and event characteristics of children directly exposed to domestic violence crimes investigated by law enforcement in a suburban municipality. Results showed that many children growing up in households with domestic violence are likely to experience additional risks, including living in a single-female headed household and in a poor neighborhood. A logistic regression model revealed a relationship between child exposure and several domestic violence event characteristics such as victim injury, mutual assault, and arrest of the perpetrator. This research extends prior studies by examining how children are involved in domestic violence events. Three distinct types of involvement were revealed: children were part of the precipitating event; children called for help; and children were physically involved. Findings highlight the importance of developing a comprehensive public health surveillance system to make sure children exposed to domestic violence are made visible in their communities