The recent interest in children's exposure to domestic violence (DV) has brought about the argument concerning the effects of such experience on their mental health. As a severe societal issue, domestic violence signifies a source of susceptibility aimed at young people and serves as a threat towards attaining constructive outcomes. This study explores developmental-ecological model to increase our knowledge and understanding of children's exposure to domestic violence, (CEDV) in a household. The study used the accessible materials on the incidence of domestic violence to analyse the emotional and behavioral trajectories that result from children early experience of domestic violence in a household. Finally, findings show that there is significant correlation between witnessing violence at home and children mental health.
KEY WORDS:
Domestic violence, children at risk, mental health, intimate partner violence, and children exposed to domestic violence, exposure to domestic violence, children witnessing domestic violence.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of Study
Statement of Problems
Aim and Objectives
Research Question
Significance of the Study on theory, policy, practice and education
Implication for Research and Theory
Implication for Policy
Implication for Professional Practice/education
Definition of Concept
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview of Domestic violence and children mental health
International Perspective
Continental African Perspectives
Impacts on Children
Domestic Violence and Child abuse
Intergenerational and Domestic Violence
Role of Social Work in domestic violence
THEORETICAL FRAME WORK
Ecological Theory
Consideration of Domestic Violence within an Ecological Framework
Application of Ecological Theory
Developmental Ecological Perspectives
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER FOUR
Octogenic Factors
Micro-System Factors for Mother and Child
Exosystem Factors
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Research Goal and Thematic Focus
The primary aim of this research is to analyze the correlation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and children's mental health using a developmental-ecological perspective. The study seeks to address the gap in existing literature, which predominantly focuses on adult victims, by exploring the psycho-social impacts of domestic violence on young children and the specific environmental factors that influence their development and well-being.
- The link between exposure to domestic violence and children's mental health.
- The application of the developmental-ecological model to understand child trauma.
- The identification of predictors and moderating factors for children at risk.
- The critical role of social work in intervention and support strategies.
- The intergenerational cycle of domestic violence and its transmission mechanisms.
Excerpt from the Book
1:1 INTRODUCTION
Domestic violence is globally described by various scholars, academicians and professionals in human development as a stern social problem, and to say the least, a human rights violation. The recent debate on domestic violence explains the significant influence it has on children's mental health. Research over the years creates more awareness about the ordeal of children induced by family violence [McIntosh, 2009]. Nevertheless, the main problems, identify in domestic violence literatures is how to connect the vulnerable young children with the probable inter-spousal trauma that disrupt their neurological and biochemical pathways in development (Dodd, 2009, Kershaw et al 2008, Barnish, 2004, McGee 1997, Humphreys, 2006,).
Moreover, literature confirms the existing relationships between exposure to domestic violence (DV) and children's development. For example, the British Psychological Society (BPS 2007) states that witness domestic violence at home will impact negatively on a child's quality of life. Besides, it is also established community that offers limited support to tackle the problem of domestic violence. This is due to the increase in traditional and social cultural factors that mitigate such aggressive behavior. The term “domestic violence” is generally denoted as intimate conditions in which any of the partners in a household abused or abusing the other partner psychologically or physically. This situation is not limited to only one sex partner in a household, but associates with both men and women living together in the same household (Holt, Buckley &Whelan, 2008). Moreover, domestic violence is a gender oriented, and it
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the foundation for the study, covering the purpose, statement of problems, aims, research questions, and the significance of examining the link between domestic violence and children's mental health.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This section offers a comprehensive overview of global, international, and African perspectives on domestic violence, while integrating the theoretical ecological framework and its application to developmental stages.
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter outlines the research design, specifically focusing on exploratory research and desk-based documentary analysis to gather and synthesize secondary data.
CHAPTER FOUR: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS: This chapter critically analyzes the findings by evaluating ontogenic, microsystem, and exosystem factors through the lens of the ecological theoretical framework.
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: This chapter synthesizes the study's findings and offers targeted recommendations for social work practice, policy-making, and future intervention strategies.
Keywords
Domestic violence, children at risk, mental health, intimate partner violence, children exposed to domestic violence, exposure to domestic violence, children witnessing domestic violence, ecological perspective, developmental-ecological model, child maltreatment, social work, protective factors, resilience, intergenerational transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The study primarily investigates the correlation between children's exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and their subsequent mental health, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
What are the key thematic areas addressed in the work?
The key themes include the impact of domestic violence on child development, the role of protective and moderating factors, the intergenerational cycle of violence, and the role of social work in supporting affected families.
What is the central research question?
The core research question asks how children's exposure to domestic violence influences their social and emotional adjustment and to what extent it impacts the psycho-social behavior of boys and girls.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs an exploratory research design using a desk research method, which involves a systematic review of secondary sources, literature, and existing empirical data.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines existing literature through an ecological framework, analyzing factors at the individual, micro-system, and exo-system levels to understand how family environments affect children's development.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include domestic violence, children at risk, mental health, ecological perspective, child maltreatment, and resilience.
How does the ecological framework help explain the findings?
The ecological framework allows for a multi-level analysis, shifting from a single-cause perspective to a systemic approach that considers individual characteristics, family interactions, and wider socio-structural influences.
Why is the "forgotten victims" label applied to children in this study?
The study argues that although domestic violence is a widely recognized societal issue, previous research has overwhelmingly focused on adult victims, leaving the long-term impacts on children—the "forgotten victims"—inadequately addressed.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Olusegun Emmanuel Afolabi (Autor:in), 2012, Domestic Violence and Children Mental Health, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/268130
