Behavioral functioning of children of abused women who seek services from shelters or the justice system: new knowledge for clinical practice.

Millions of women worldwide are victims of partner violence annually and their children are at-risk for psychological and physical dysfunctions. A total of 300 children (ages 18 months to 16 years), whose abused mothers sought safe shelter or a protection order for the first time, were studied. Data revealed internalizing behaviors, such as depression and externalizing behaviors, such as bullying decreased 4 months after mothers obtained help. Children's scores from the shelter group indicated more dysfunction. Although no direct program was offered to the children studied, routine child care presents opportunities for nurses in pediatric settings to assess mothers for abuse and intervene with guided referrals and safety information that may promote better child functioning.