Summary: This article examines and discusses the research field of children exposed to domestic violence, a field which has greatly expanded during the last 10 years. The author presents an overview of this research, discusses its implications, and describes future challenges and contemporary knowledge gaps.
Findings: The author argues that the field is dominated by studies that a) are quantitative, b) use the mothers as the informant and c) are represented by traditional psychology and social medicine, rather than social work. These studies have found substantial support for the negative emotional and behavioral consequences that children exposed to domestic violence suffer. However, many questions and problems remain unanswered. These questions include both the research field itself and the need for new approaches such as qualitative research including the voice of the child, longitudinal studies, and questions regarding methodology and research ethics.
Applications: The author argues that there is a need for more qualitative research in general and social work research in particular. The implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.