Dissertation Title: Domestic Violence and the Developing Child – A Library-Based Analysis of Impacts on Academic Performance, Social Development and Mental Health
Research Methodology: Qualitative secondary research using a library-based literature review.
Research Design: Narrative literature review design based on database searching and synthesis of existing empirical studies.
Abstract
Background: The number of domestic violence victims has been rising in recent years, and children are among the most severely affected. Although various policies have been formulated to address domestic violence, the reviewed studies indicate that implementation is hindered by multiple setbacks, which contributes to the persistently high number of families exposed to domestic violence. These challenges highlight the need to better understand how domestic violence affects children’s development, education, and health.
Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the impacts of domestic violence on children by reviewing existing empirical research, identifying key trends, and highlighting gaps in the current evidence base.
Methodology: The study adopted a library-based research approach. Relevant literature was identified and retrieved from electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect and PsycINFO. Studies focusing on children’s experiences of domestic violence and associated outcomes in academic performance, social development and mental health were reviewed and synthesised.
Results: The analysis showed a consistent positive relationship between exposure to domestic violence in childhood and poorer academic performance as well as impaired social development. The reviewed studies further indicated that episodes of domestic violence can disrupt the quality of parent–child attachment, contributing to a range of adverse health and psychological outcomes, including sleep disturbances and post-traumatic stress disorder. Overall, the findings suggest that exposure to domestic violence negatively affects children’s mental health, educational trajectories and social functioning.
Conclusion: Domestic violence has wide-ranging and enduring effects on children’s academic, social and mental health outcomes. In light of the identified impacts and the implementation gaps in existing policies, there is a pressing need to develop, strengthen and adequately resource strategies that both prevent or reduce domestic violence and address the health, educational and psychosocial needs of affected children.
Keywords: Domestic violence; children; library-based project; social development; academic performance; mental health.
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