Research Brief
Domestic Violence on Children
Principal Researcher(s)
Monica Gosal
Advisor
Marjory Jardine
Instructor
Florence Daddey
Greg Keenan
Research Field
Domestic Violence
Program
Bachelor of Law
Enforcement Studies
Course
LAWS
=4003

Funding Sources

What Are the Effects of Domestic Violence Against Children?
Date: March 29th, 2018
Introduction
The research study analyzed the impact that domestic violence has
on the lives of children between the ages of 8-18 years old. The
purpose of this research study was to examine the association
between domestic violence and the child's well being. The scope of
this research discusses the importance and urgency, specifically
from law enforcement agencies, to provide effective intervention
strategies to mitigate this issue.
Research Problem
The research study is aimed to help law enforcement agencies
better prepare for when they encounter victimized children.
Domestic violence against children is significant because it can
lead to a detrimental impact on the child and society. This research
study suggests that law enforcement agencies must pay greater
attention to children who have been victimized.
Methods
The research design was conducted through a critical appraisal
method. A literature review was conducted to obtain the most
relevant secondary data from Justice Institute of British Columbia’s
online library database.
Results/Findings
The findings resulted in four common themes that are discussed in
the result section in the structured abstract.
Conclusions/ Recommendations

N/A: Course-based
Project.

The research study found that effective intervention strategies
from law enforcement agencies could mitigate this issue.
Recommendations to law enforcement agencies include
specialized training, seminars, community based programs and

Research Brief
continued practices and
programs about domestic

violence among children.

Structured Abstract
Introduction: Domestic violence can be detrimental, which showed to affected
children across Canada. Domestic violence against children is a significant issue due
to the devastating consequences on the child. Domestic violence can include
physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation and exposure to family violence
(Kaukinen, C., Powers, R., & Meyers, S., 2016, p. 203). We must recognize that
domestic violence against children can negatively impact the development of the
child and also impact the society.
Methods: A critical appraisal was used to complete the research study. A
thorough literature review was conducted to obtain the most relevant secondary
data. The secondary data was collected through the Justice Institute of British
Columbia’s online library database (EBSOhost Discovery EDS). The keywords and
inclusion criteria resulted in 35 articles and 14 articles were used in the research
study. The secondary data was analyzed to determine the credibility and validity of
the data.

Results/Findings: The secondary data obtained from the literature search was
critically analyzed and produced four common themes. The findings from the four
themes are associated with domestic violence among children. The common
themes are negative symptoms, law enforcement response, criminal justice
connection and future criminality. The themes suggest that children who are
exposed to domestic violence undergo hardships throughout their lives.

Discussion: Children are the future generation, which is why it is important to
mitigate this issue. This is a devastating issue because childhood is supposed to be a
memorable and amazing life chapter. Sadly, it can be one of the most horrific and
traumatic times for children who are exposed to domestic violence. If intervention
strategies used by law enforcement agencies are not effective, it can lead the child
to accumulate more negative symptoms and also lead to future criminality and a
cycle of domestic violence.

Practical Applications: The research study addressed that law enforcement
agencies must pay greater attention to how they deal with domestically abused
children. Law enforcement agencies must analyze their intervention methods and
determine if a child will suffer from a harsh interaction. Law enforcement agencies
must become aware that domestic violence among children can be mitigated with
proper intervention methods.

References:

JIBC Research Brief
Kaukinen, C., Powers, R. A., & Meyer, S. (2016). Estimating Canadian childhood
exposure to intimate partner violence and other risky parental behaviors.
Journal Of Child Custody, 13 (2/3), 199-218.
doi:10.1080/15379418.2016.1204581