Child exposure to violence: A local needs assessment to develop a community prevention agenda

Purpose: Exposure to domestic violence is common and chronic in the lives of children. Research identifies many pathways through which chronic exposure to violence negatively impacts the health of child witnesses, victims and perpetrators. The Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission uses a multi-level, multi-disciplinary homicide review process to identify opportunities for prevention. Through its Domestic Violence Review, child exposure has been identified as a high priority issue.

Methods: A local workgroup was formed to address child exposure to domestic violence. The workgroup initiated a multi-method needs assessment in Milwaukee, WI. In-depth interviews (n=34) were conducted with providers across relevant sectors: social service, health, criminal justice, education, and government/policy. Questions focused on local perceptions and strengths and gaps in services. Next, police records will be analyzed to identify factors related to domestic violence-related homicides with children present. An exploratory sample of other homicides will be reviewed to characterize child witness to other violence.

Results: Preliminary results suggest a strong social justice perspective informs the local understanding of child exposure to violence. Service providers and other experts have beliefs about child exposure that are consistent with scientific evidence. There is a clear understanding of the effects of exposure to violence on health later in life.

Conclusions: This study identifies local opportunities for prevention and may help shape city and state goals related to children and violence. The workgroup provides an example of a multi-disciplinary partnership addressing exposure to violence. There is opportunity to develop a policy agenda informed by a social justice perspective.