Linking Adult Intimate Partner Violence in California with Children's Emotional and Behavioral Functioning

In 2007, nearly four million Californians reported experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) since turning 18. Recent IPV affects children's emotional health, however, child mental well-being remains largely unexplored among IPV households.

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2007) data were analyzed to identify patterns of child emotional and behavioral difficulties (ages 4-11)in households with and without adult IPV histories(ages 18-65; n=4916).

Bivariate analyses compare parent-reported child MH indicators in households with IPV histories (n=1132) and without IPV (n=3784), and by demographics. Measures include modified CTS items about intimate physical or sexual violence since 18, and a shortened Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) indicating abnormal or borderline scores for child emotional or behavioral difficulties. T-tests and logistic regression were conducted.

Approximately one fourth of adults in households with children reported being an IPV victim since age 18. Among the 10% of children with emotional/behavior difficulties, 38% resided in IPV-households compared to 22% residing in non-IPV households, a significant difference [t(473)=4.54, p<0.0001)]. Logistic regression model results indicate that IPV history (OR=1.8), being male(OR=1.6), and being poor (0-99% FPL, OR=2.5) significantly increased the odds of having childhood emotional or behavioral dysfunction, whereas children in married households (OR=.65)were less likely to have abnormal or borderline scores (p=0.0000). Race was not an explanatory factor. Because children may suffer from long-term consequences of parent's IPV trauma, providers should screen for IPV and child emotional/behavioral health status in pediatric settings in order to intervene and refer to needed services.