The Pathological Consequences of Exposure to Domestic and Family Violence in Childhood

Abstract Exposure to traumatic experiences in early life (also known as early-life stress or ELS) is related to increased risk for a myriad of biopsychosocial pathology including mental illness, learning and behaviour deficits, relationship dysfunction, poor education- and employment-related outcomes, long-term welfare dependence, drug abuse, physical illness, and ultimately premature mortality. During the last three decades, new technologies have allowed us to increase our understanding of the impact of ELS on the trajectory of the growing brain. This knowledge has provided new insights about the immediate and medium-term neurodevelopmental consequences of childhood exposure to chronic and acute stress, duress, trauma, and neglect and provided improved understanding of the potential consequences for adult survivors. Child maltreatment through combinations of abuse and neglect and in particular that is experienced through the lens of domestic and family violence (DFV) is one of the primary ways through which young children are exposed to ELS. This chapter presents a brief overview of child maltreatment, particularly DFV, and the related sequelae of these experiences.