Child Exposure to Violence

A review of the psychological impact of quarantine published in The Lancet reported increased anger, confusion, symptoms of severe stress, and substance use. Dysregulated emotions and substance use can increase violent behavior, especially within the family setting. Children will experience increased risk for maltreatment when isolated at home. Children’s exposure to intimate partner violence, whether directly witnessed or overheard, is harmful and may lead to PTSI along with emotional and behavioral problems. Intimate partner violence and child abuse often co-occur. In ordinary situations, 1 in 8 children have confirmed maltreatment by child protective services (CPS) in their lifetime. During any period of crisis, unfortunately, there is an increased risk for child exposure to family violence.

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