CYP Now - Beyond 'Witnessing': Children's Experiences of Coercive Control in Domestic Violence and Abuse

This study looked at children's lived experiences of domestic violence and coercive control, and considers whether understanding them as direct victims might have implications for support services, including social care, mental health support and legal protection.

Report by Jane Callaghan et al, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 33 (2018)

There is limited research about children's lived experience of psychological abuse and coercive control in family relationships affected by domestic violence. However, 2013 research by Radford, Corral, Bradley and Fisher suggests that in the UK about 30 per cent of children under 18 have been exposed to domestic violence during their lifetime and that six per cent of children and young people, will experience domestic violence in a year. Research evidence suggests that its psychosocial impact can be severe.

The study involved interviews with 21 children in the UK - 12 girls and nine boys, aged nine to 18 years old - about their experiences of domestic violence and abuse.

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