EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON THIRD-GRADE STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIORAL PERFORMANCE

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to investigate the relationship between witnessing domestic violence and third-grade students' academic performance and behavioral conduct, with a focus on gender differences. Additionally, the study explored the connection between exposure to domestic violence and English Language Arts achievement. The research involved 280 third-grade students and parents at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in southwestern Georgia. Participants were part of social-emotional learning programs. Data collection included parent observation surveys, end-of-grade test scores (using the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade assessment), and a child survey (the Violence Exposure Scale for Children – Revised). The study also employed the Child Behavior Rating Scale – Parent Form to observe student behaviors throughout the semester. Statistical analysis procedures were used to analyze the data. The results indicated significant relationships between exposure to domestic violence and both academic performance and behavioral conduct, with notable gender differences. The study concluded that exposure to domestic violence negatively impacted students' educational experiences. Recommendations for further research included exploring interventions and support systems to create safer and more conducive learning environments for affected students.