National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, London, UK

The present article explores the complexity of children's experiences of domestic violence. It addresses the various terms used to describe this form of violence and provides a working definition. Reviewing the literature suggests prevalence rates of domestic violence between 25 and 60%. The difficulties in achieving prevalence and incidence rates are outlined. Where children's experiences of domestic violence have been addressed, attention has focused on either children witnessing the abuse of their mother or children directly being abused. Six main ways in which children may witness domestic violence are presented and the relationship between domestic violence and child abuse is examined briefly. An overview of the impact of domestic violence on children incorporates a discussion of the intergenerational transmission of violence theory. Some of the multiple factors which may inhibit children from talking about domestic violence are raised, indicating how complex this issue is for children. Finally, the need to recognize the diversity of children's experiences of and reactions to this form of violence is identified.