Symptomatology of Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

Abstract

This study utilized parent ratings and self-report in assessing symptoms in children exposed to domestic violence, and in some cases, physical abuse. Data were collected from 83 parents and children in a domestic violence shelter. Children, ages 8–16, completed a questionnaire regarding exposure to physical abuse/DV and the TSCC—Alternate form (TSCC-A; Briere 1996). Parents of children, ages 3–12, completed the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC; Briere 2005). Parent t-scores on were higher than matched t-scores for child self-report. Parent scores on most clinical scales were higher for Caucasian than non-Caucasian parents. Female children were rated as more depressed by their parents than males. Symptoms scores were positively correlated with the observation and experience of domestic violence.