Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence on Child Witnesses: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social problem that affects all members of a household. Approximately 22% of violent crimes perpetrated against women and 3% against men are related to IPV, and often children witness these crimes. This paper addresses the evidence related to the short- and long-term consequences on the physical, psychosocial, and emotional status of child witnesses. A systemic review and analysis of the literature was performed with 24 articles from 2000 to 2010 that were identified through electronic search strategies. Differences were found in the behaviors of children who witness and do not witness IPV that have short- and long-term consequences and affect relationships with same-sex peers, dating partners, and future partners with a clear pattern of dose-response. Healthcare providers can implement theoretically driven, gender and culturally appropriate interventions for children with a history of IPV exposure with outcomes that positively affect the lives of children.