Can you share any research on the effects of domestic violence on children's development?

Which search terms should I use?

Is there a current research review directly related to this topic?

Are there any key texts on this topic?

Is there any information on organisational websites?

How can I find specialist information on this topic?

Who can provide further information on this topic?

Which search terms should I use?

In this example, the key search terms would be:

• 'domestic violence', 'abuse'
• 'children', 'young people', 'son', 'daughter'
• 'development', 'growth', 'progress', 'education'
• 'data', 'statistics', 'figures'

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Is there a current research review directly related to this topic?

We have produced two reviews on this topic that can be found in the our publications section of the research in practice website:

• Every Child Matters briefing No. 14 (2007): Domestic Violence and Child Abuse contains some useful information on the impact of domestic violence on children (PDF version: new window)
• Research Review - Humphreys, C. and Mullender, A. (1999) Children and Domestic Violence (Dartington:research in practice) (PDF version: new window)

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Are there any key texts on this topic?

Here are a number of recent publications that could also be useful:

• Cleaver, H., Unell, I. and Aldgate, A (1999) Children's Needs-Parenting Capacity: The Impact of Parental Mental Illness, Problem Alcohol and Drug Use, and Domestic Violence on Children's Development (London:The Stationery Office)
• Aitken, R. (1999) ‘The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children' Childright 161 pp. 18-19.
• Byrne, D and Taylor, B. ‘Children at risk of domestic violence and their educational attainment: Perspectives of Educational Welfare Officers, Social Workers and Teachers' Child Care in Practice 13th July 2007
• Vetere, A. and Cooper, J. (2006), ‘The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children: Trauma, Resilience and Breaking the Cycle of Violence' Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy 6 pp. 26-38.

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Is there any information on organisational websites?

CAFCASS developed a Domestic Violence Toolkit in 2007 that can be downloaded from their website. Section 4 is dedicated to the impact of domestic violence on the development of children (PDF version: new window)

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How can I find specialist information on this topic?

There has also been some research from the American Psychological Association on the impact of domestic violence on children:

• Graham-Bermann, S. and Edleson, J. (2001) (eds.) Domestic Violence in the Lives of Children (Washington DC:American Psychological Association)

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Who can provide further information on this topic?

Do check out the Register of Researchers on the research in practice website, This includes a number of researchers who work in this field, including Audrey Mullender, Catherine Humphreys and Marianne Hester.

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