Effects of Child Abuse, Neglect and Domestic Violence

Many think of the emotional wounds and physical injuries associated with child abuse. But the experience of child abuse and neglect can severely impact a child's long term physical health, brain development, behavior, and relationships.

Long-Term Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect

Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (http://www.acestudy.org/)

"Long Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect" Factsheet (Child Welfare Information Gateway)

Adverse Childhood Experiences Score

CAC Symposium Keynote Address: "Health Consequences of Child Abuse" by Dr. Randall Alexander

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Consequences of Child Maltreatment

 

The Impact of Domestic Violence Exposure on Children

"15.5 million U.S. children live in families in which partner violence occurred at least
once in the past year, and seven million children live in families in which severe
partner violence occurred." 

 - Futures Without Violence, formerly the Domestic Violence Prevention Fund

 

Video Resources

• Video - "First Impressions: Exposure to Violence and a Child's Developing Brain"
• Video (Spanish) - "First Impressions: Exposure to Violence and a Child's Developing Brain"
• Children of Domestic Violence (PSA)
• Center for the Developing Child, Harvard University - a series of videos including the impact of trauma and toxic stress on early child development

Handouts and Other Resources 

• Presentation by Dr. Randell Alexander on the Health Consequences of Child Abuse
• Complete Factsheet set on Domestic Violence and Children from Futures without Violence
• "Children and Domestic Violence - How Does Domestic Violence Affect Children?"
• "Children and Domestic Violence - Listening and Talking to Your Children About Domestic Violence (2015)"
• Resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network

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