EXPERIENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OTHER ADVERSITIES IN AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence is a significant public health issue that is endemic within Australian culture and presents significant risk of mental illness in adult and child victim-survivors. There has been a failure; however, to describe childhood experiences of domestic violence (EDV) and its association with other types of maltreatment and adversity. Objectives: This study bridges an evidence gap by providing insights into children's EDV and associated risks for other types of maltreatment and adversity. Methods: Data from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study were used to provide nationally representative descriptions of childhood EDV by examining four types of domestic violence (physical violence, threats of harm, property damage and intimidation or control), and the participant's age of onset and cessation, duration and frequency of the experience. Prevalence estimates and odds of experiencing other types of child maltreatment and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) between those with and without childhood EDV were also examined. Findings: Of the 39.6% of participants reporting childhood EDV, one in five experienced all four forms. EDV occurred over a prolonged period, was frequent and often present in mid-late adolescence. Intimidation or control was associated with the strongest odds for childhood emotional abuse. All four other types of child maltreatment and all ACEs with the exception of parental death were substantially more common among those with EDV compared to those without. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for cultural reform that explicitly recognises children as victims of domestic violence in their own right and prioritises their rights and safety in addition to women.