Experiences of Domestic Violence and Other Adversities in Australian Children

Abstract Background National data on the prevalence and characteristics of childhood experiences of domestic violence (EDV), and its relationship with other types of childhood maltreatment and adversity are limited. This study provides the prevalence and characteristics of childhood EDV from a nationally representative sample of Australians aged 16-years and over. Methods Data were drawn from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study. Prevalence estimates and characteristics (age of onset and cessation, duration, frequency) of four forms of retrospectively reported childhood EDV (physical violence, threats of harm, property damage or harming pets, intimidation or control) by a parent against another parent, were calculated. Associations with four other types of child maltreatment (emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and neglect) were examined, and each model stratified by gender. Prevalence estimates of experiencing eight other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were calculated for those with and without childhood EDV. Results Of the 39.6% of participants reporting childhood EDV, one in five experienced all four forms. Intimidation or control occurred over more years, was more frequent and was more prevalent in mid-late adolescence compared to other forms of EDV, and was associated with the strongest odds for childhood emotional abuse (6-fold-odds for men; 3.3-fold-odds for women). All four other types of child maltreatment and all other ACEs (except parental death) were substantially more common among those with EDV compared to those without. Conclusions Childhood EDV presents an increased risk of other types of maltreatment and adversity in childhood. The findings emphasise the need to advance recognition of children as victims of domestic violence in their own right.