Classification paragraph by Nina Kavatsyuk

Problems of the children exposed to domestic violence can be classified into three main categories. The American researchers distinguished between emotional and behavioral, cognitive and longer-term problems. The first category of problems reflects the effects of witnessing domestic violence on the emotional functioning of the children, which are later revealed in their behavior. This category includes anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, temperament problems and, as a result, aggressive and fearful behavior. Another kind of problems concerns cognitive functioning and attitudes of the children. A number of studies founded the association between witnessing domestic violence and memory problems, law ability to concentrate attention and positive attitude concerning the use of violence. The last category of problems was researched retrospectively and includes social, family and professional problems of the adults, who were exposed to domestic violence as children. Such childhood experience results in law social competence, problems with professional development, victimization of women and men’s aggressive behavior. In such a way, witnessing of domestic violence influences the main areas of children’s functioning, resulting in emotional and behavioral, cognitive and longer-term problems[1].
[1] Mills L.G. Integrating Domestic Violence Assessment Into Child Protective Services Intervention: Policy and Practice Implications//Battered Women and Their Families. Intervention Strategies and Treatment Programs/Ed. by Roberts A.– Springer Publishing Company, 1998.– P.129-158