Children in the UK exposed to domestic violence in their early years are at greater risk of serious mental health difficulties at age 17. They are also more likely to have tried hard drugs and assaulted someone.
The new UCL report supports earlier evidence that shows violence against mothers can harm children’s development. However, it finds that aggression between parents has the most negative impact on children’s mental health and behaviour.
The findings also show that abuse against fathers can harm families. This is an aspect of domestic violence that has rarely been studied before.
About the data
Researchers from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies looked at data from 12,000 people born in 2000-02 who are taking part in the Millennium Cohort Study.
When their children were age 9 months and age 3, parents were asked if their partner had ever used force against them. This included whether they had experienced grabbing, pushing, shaking, hitting or kicking. At age 17, their children answered a series of questions about their mental health, behaviour, drinking, smoking and drug use.
Warning: this article discusses self-harm and suicide
Children who experienced domestic violence in their early years were at greater risk of serious mental health difficulties in their late teens. This included self-harm and suicide attempt. They were more likely to have reported carrying a weapon and being involved in a gang. In addition, they were more likely to report regularly binge drinking and smoking.
The research found that domestic violence disrupted family relationships with negative consequences for children’s development. Mothers and fathers who experienced domestic violence were more likely to have poorer relationships with their child. They had greater odds of abusing them verbally and physically. Parents exposed to domestic violence were also more likely to report mental health difficulties, alcohol and drug use.
Lead author, Dr Aase Villadsen (UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies) said: “Our findings emphasise the importance of considering both mothers and fathers’ experiences of domestic violence. Professionals should adopt a more inclusive approach in domestic violence screening and intervention efforts. Addressing family-wide abuse is critical to breaking the intergenerational cycle of violence.”
Chief executive of charity, for baby’s sake, Lauren Seager-Smith said: “Babies, children, and young people are victims of domestic abuse in their own right, yet the intersection of trauma and PTSD, and the risk of violence and abuse then perpetuated into the teenage years and adulthood, is still not consistently recognised in practice, policy, or funding decisions. We focus on the adult, while rarely seeking the child.
“We call for further research into the impact of non-physical forms of interparental abuse on children’s development, including emotional abuse and coercive control. Understanding the full range of experiences that can harm children and their relationships now and, in the future, is essential to ensuring they receive the recognition, support and protection they need.”
Media coverage of this research
The Times – Recognising fathers as abuse victims ‘crucial to teen health’
If you are affected by the issues in this research and need support:
Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, you can find local NHS urgent mental health helplines and a list of mental health charities, organisations and support groups offering expert advice, on the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
Further information
‘Early childhood domestic violence and adolescent outcomes: Does maternal aggression matter as much as paternal?’ by Villadsen, A., Fitzsimons, E. was published in Aggression and Violent Behaviour.
