Some thoughts about the impact of domestic violence on infants and young children

Abstract

This paper describes the impact on children of both the primary trauma of severe domestic violence and the secondary consequences of chronic situations where domestic violence forms part of a general background of neglect, deprivation and abuse. Links are made with Main's (1995) description of 'Disorganised' Attachment behaviour in children who are faced with a frightening or frightened parent. The paper stresses the importance of good early experiences within the family and how domestic violence can interfere with the basic requirements for the physical and emotional survival of the infant. Clinical vignettes illustrate these ideas.