In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, many agencies and organizations have shifted their focus to interpersonal violence. 

Interpersonal violence (IPV) is defined as “abuse or aggression in an intimate relationship.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). IPV can involve physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, isolating tactics, and stalking.

Conversations surrounding interpersonal violence often revolve around adult and intimate partner relationships – without giving consideration to the children who experience IPV. Violence and abuse have been demonstrated to cause long-term detrimental effects for both children and adults. In the United States, on average at least 1 child in 15 is exposed to interpersonal violence, and ninety percent of those children have been an eyewitness to violence. Interpersonal violence affects more than 10 million adults annually, with the greater burden being on women. About 1 in 4 women experience a form of violence, as opposed to 1 in 9 men (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). The impact of IPV on children continues to be a topic that is rarely addressed or brought to light, leaving impacted children in the shadows.

When discussing the impact of interpersonal violence, and the overall conversation of domestic violence, we must shift the conversation, drawing attention to the ways in which children are affected. Domestic violence causes a hostile and negative environment, often resulting in anxious and fearful children. Children are in a vulnerable developmental stage; thus, hearing or encountering violence can create adverse outcomes. Studies have shown that a child whose parent is in a violent interpersonal relationship is more likely to develop psychosocial and behavioral problems (Harper et al., 2018). Moreover, children are also more prone to developing psychological disorders due to their vulnerable developing brains (Russell et al., 2022). Over time, children may internalize and externalize abusive behaviors, finding themselves more likely to be in abusive relationships or perpetrating abusive behavior in adulthood. (Schubert, 2022).

How does Interpersonal Violence Impact Children?

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events experienced before age 18. They have been linked to long-term impacts, influencing poor health outcomes in adults. These adverse childhood experiences can include violence, abuse, or neglect. Children do not have to directly witness IPV for there to be an impact. Studies show a connection between IPV exposure and children, affecting the child’s quality of life, behavior, and attitudes (Stiller, 2022). 

Intimate partner violence and adverse childhood experiences can affect a child in the following ways:

-A child may be less able to self-regulate, due to feeling insecure and unsafe in the home. 

-More likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. 1 in 4 children develop PTSD due to IPV (Stylianou, 2022).

–Children who grow up in unstable and unsafe environments are likely to have a lower socioeconomic status than adults (Monnat, 2015).

-Children exposed to IPV may be more likely to be bullying perpetrators and/or a perpetrator or victim of teen dating violence (Carlson et al., 2019). 

Does interpersonal violence vary for children depending on gender?

Women are already the most affected by interpersonal violence. Exposure to interpersonal violence at an early stage can significantly increase the likelihood of girls being in abusive relationships themselves. Although research on the impact of IPV exists, the effect it has on young girls is underrepresented, and there is little research that focuses specifically on IPV impact based on gender identity. Studies focusing on children have shown a difference in adolescent dating violence outcomes, depending on whom they have seen perpetrating violence.

Girls who witness male violence perpetration face a higher risk of violent victimization. Boys who witness their father’s perpetrating violence are at higher risk of becoming perpetrators in their adolescent relationships (Forke et al., 2018).

Current studies fail to explain the variation in outcomes associated with gender. Still, role modeling is believed to greatly affect children’s attitudes, behaviors, and perception of IPV.

What are some ways to address the issues?

Early Intervention:  Children who witness interpersonal violence often see it in the frame of their parents being victims. Providing intervention services to the parent may decrease the severity of IPV and the adverse outcomes children may be predisposed to. Early intervention could include access to mental health services and connecting survivors to DV (domestic violence) agencies. These agencies can offer a safe environment for the child and the parent affected, providing the opportunity to regain emotional well-being.

Challenging Social Norms:  Interpersonal violence is often upheld by societal views regarding masculinity and femininity. These attitudes and beliefs further perpetuate violence against women and girls. It’s important to clarify the social constructs and how they continue to uphold harmful behaviors that contribute to interpersonal violence.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it can be helpful to access local resources. The National Domestic Violence Hotline allows survivors to be connected to shelter and mental health services which can be a crucial factor in ensuring the safety and well-being of the parent and child affected by IPV. 

Global Foundation for Girls seeks to serve as an advocate, increasing awareness of issues impacting girls, gender-fluid youth, and birthing persons worldwide. Become involved or donate today!

For more information and resources, see the following websites:

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

NJ 211: https://www.nj211.org/

NJ Department of Children and Families: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/women/domestic/

Author: Nicauris Veras, Program Officer – Policy and Advocacy Initiatives