Web resource:	https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/understanding-what-children-say-about-living-domestic-violence-parental-substance-misuse-or
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Understanding what children say: Children's experiences of domestic violence, parental substance misuse or parental health problems
Other Titles:	Findings
Authors:	Gorin, Sarah
Keywords:	Impact on children and young people;Child protection
Population:	People with drug and/or alcohol issues
Categories:	People with mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues
Year:	2004
Publisher:	Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Citation:	May 2004
Notes:	General Overview: This report provides a review of research and literature regarding children or young adults whose parents’ have chronic domestic violence, drug use and mental health problems. The review examines what children say about their experiences, coping strategies and support needs. Objective: The purpose of the review was to examine children’s experiences of their parents’ domestic violence, drug use and mental health problems, in order to gain a better understanding of how these problems impact on children, what makes them more vulnerable and what could assist them. Methods: The review involved a meta analysis of 40 studies undertaken between 1990 and 2003. It focused primarily on research directly undertaken with children about their experiences. The information was supplemented by retrospective accounts by young adults and parents asked about their children’s experiences. In addition, 50 related books and journal articles were reviewed. Results: The review found that although the children’s experiences were all different, there were a number of common themes. Children want their parents to be well and happy and the family to be safe. Many reported that they are often aware of their parents problems (more so than parents think) but they did not necessarily understand them. They reported worrying about their parents, particularly with regards to safety, self harm or difficulty with coping. They felt that their parents were often not there for them. Children reported experiencing isolation, sadness, mental health issues and social impacts. Children whose parents experience domestic violence, drug use or mental health problems often feel responsible for providing care and support to their parents, even if they do not take on more responsibility than other children. Some children do take on more responsibility. Many children reported wishing their parents would talk with them more to help them understand the problems at home and prevent misunderstandings. Children reported using informal sources of support, such as talking with their mothers, friends, siblings, grandparents and pets. They sought comfort and safety, someone who would listen to them and provide reassurance and confidentiality. Some children had great difficulty communicating with anyone about problems at home. In particular boys found it harder than girls to talk to someone. Children and parents may not seek professional help due to a lack of trust, stigma and unwanted intervention. Many children reported negative experiences of professional assistance. Children mentioned a need for confidential support, such as through helplines, universal and specialist support. They also reported a need for age appropriate information about the problems their parents are experiencing. Children commented that being involved in finding solutions to problems helped them to cope. They also expressed a need for opportunities to have a break away from home, to have some fun and to get to know other children experiencing the same problems.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12909
ISSN:	17499143
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

Items in ANROWS library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.