Young Adults

The landmark CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study revealed that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which include witnessing domestic violence as a child, contribute to increased risk of serious negative physical, emotional, health, and developmental impacts across the lifespan. This can include increased risk for substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. People who have experienced one or more ACE are more likely to have academic and learning challenges, such as problems with concentration, memory, and overall school performance.

Children who grow up in a home with domestic violence are more likely to be victims of child abuse. Children who are not direct victims of abuse but witness domestic violence experience some of the same behavioral and psychological problems as children who are themselves abused. Several studies indicate that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to be affected by domestic violence as adults, either as victims or as perpetrators. There is a strong association between witnessing domestic violence as a child and becoming a perpetrator of domestic violence as an adult. While many children who have witnessed domestic violence show resilience and grow up to have healthy relationships, exposure to domestic violence as a child may affect a person’s capacity for healthy partnering and parenting later in life.

Efforts to prevent domestic violence are therefore essentially linked to efforts to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and are critical to breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse.