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Behind Closed Doors: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

NCJ Number
229005
Date Published
2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study from Stop Violence in the Home campaign estimates the number of children who are exposed to domestic violence globally and discusses government preventative actions.
Abstract
There is a link between domestic violence and child abuse. Among victims of child abuse, 40 percent report domestic violence in the home. Children who are exposed to violence in the home are 15 times more likely to be physically and/or sexually assaulted than the national average. This link has been confirmed around the world with supporting studies from a range of countries including China, South Africa, Colombia, India, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico. Children who live with and are aware of violence in the home face many challenges and risks that can last throughout their lives. Children can be better protected from the effect of domestic violence and better supported in healing following exposure to this violence. Children have the right to a home environment that is safe and secure, and free of violence. Governments carry a primary responsibility for ensuring that children and women are safe and secure in their homes, and can take several key steps to ensure this. 1 annex and 29 notes