The impact of intimate partner violence on child health, behavior,
cognitive development, and academic performance may vary by age and
developmental stage (see Table 36-1). An expansive body of research has documented
an association between toxic family environments and mental health
problems, including externalizing symptoms such as aggression, conduct
disorder, and antisocial behavior, and internalizing symptoms such
as anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal behavior.12 Moreover,
the association between childhood adversities, such as IPV exposure and
household dysfunction, with subsequent poor physical health is well-established.9,10,13 Youth
residing in environments characterized by aggression, conflict,
and neglect are more likely to exhibit health-threatening behaviors
(eg, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and risky sexual practices).
Violence exposure may impact development of strategies to process
emotions and coping responses and ultimately lead to higher emotional
reactivity. Social competence—social skills, cognition,
and prosocial behaviors—may be impacted by deficits in
the ability to temper emotions and by lack of role modeling and
socialization in the home. Not surprisingly, adaptation to school,
academic performance, and peer relations may be subsequently influenced.