Community-Based Treatment Outcomes for Parents and Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined treatment outcomes following a 12‐week, community-based group intervention program for children and adults exposed to family violence. The study sample consisted of 106 children between the ages of 3 and 17 (M = 8.64, SD = 3.72) and their nonoffending parent. Participants represented diverse ethnic backgrounds, with most reporting some Asian or Pacific Island heritage. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991) and a measure of parenting skills, and counselors completed rating checklists for children and parents before and after the intervention. Results indicated significant improvement for children and parents. Findings point to the potential effectiveness of such community-based programs with multi-ethnic and Asian and Pacific Island youth exposed to domestic violence and their parents.