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Silent Victims: Children Exposed to Family Violence

Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Batson CARE Clinic at the Mississippi Children's Justice Center, Jackson, MS

Debrynda Davey, RN, CDVD, Dip, EdD

School of Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

Annually an estimated 3 million or more children are exposed to acts of domestic violence between adults in their homes. These children are at risk for abuse themselves as well as other immediate and long-term problems, especially if they have been exposed to repeated episodes of domestic violence. Multiple behavioral manifestations, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, may be associated with violence exposure, and it is imperative that school nurses recognize these. All children should be screened for domestic violence exposure at regular intervals, and those who are at risk should have a more thorough health assessment. Planning for the safety of the child, nonoffending caregiver, and siblings and the school nurse involved in the situation is of utmost importance.

Key Words: child abuse • domestic violence • safety • witness

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