Advisor
Vanessa Castle
Course
Practice-Informed Research in Health Systems
Document Type
Capstone
Publication Date
Fall 12-1-2024
Purpose
Domestic violence (DV) continues to be a significant public health and social issue, affecting individuals across all demographics. However, its impact on children who witness or experience it is particularly severe, often influencing their ability to trust, form intimacy, and navigate relationship dynamics in adulthood. Despite extensive research on DV, gaps remain in understanding how factors like age at exposure, frequency of abuse, and specific types of violence shape adult interpersonal relationships. This study aims to address these gaps by examining how childhood exposure to DV affects adult relationships, particularly with intimate partners and family relationships. This study is highly relevant, given the ongoing prevalence of DV and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Understanding the long-term effects of childhood DV exposure is critical to developing effective support systems and interventions for survivors. Additionally, addressing systemic inequities that limit access to resources and care for DV survivors remains an urgent public health issue.
Methods
This study uses a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative and qualitative data through a Google Form survey. Participants aged 18-65 years who experienced childhood DV were recruited via social media platforms and email outreach, utilizing a snowball sampling method. The survey included demographic questions as well as detailed inquiries about the age, frequency, and type of abuse experienced. Open-ended questions provided deeper insights into the emotional and relational impacts of DV on the individual.
Findings & Conclusions
The study found that childhood exposure to DV significantly impacts adult interpersonal relationships, particularly in terms of trust and intimacy. Many respondents reported that their experiences with DV led to challenges in trusting intimate partners and others, as well as fear of intimacy. Additionally, a substantial number expressed a tendency toward protectiveness and open communication in their parenting styles, shaped by their childhood experiences. The main takeaway from this study is the enduring effect of childhood DV on relational dynamics in adulthood. Findings underscore the need for trauma-informed care and long-term mental health support for DV survivors. However, the study is limited by a small sample size and underrepresentation of male participants. Future research should include a broader range of participants, especially male survivors, to better understand gendered dynamics in DV.
Recommendations
Further research should explore the intersectionality of DV, including how race, gender, and socioeconomic status influence the long-term impacts of DV. More research is needed on how to prevent intergenerational trauma transmission and assess the effectiveness of trauma-informed care across diverse populations. This study contributes to the knowledge base by offering insights that inform social work practices and policies to support them.
Recommended Citation
Rodriguez, Brenda Camacho and Maldonado, Constance, "The Impact of Exposure to Domestic Violence on Adults' Interpersonal Relationships" (2024). MSW Capstone Conference. 10.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/msw-conference/10
