Children's experiences of domestic and family violence: meta-synthesis

Investigators

Dr Debbie Noble-Carr, Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur, Associate Professor Tim Moore (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University)

Funding

Australian Government Department of Social Services

Background

Domestic and family violence (DFV) has pervasive, long-lasting impacts on children who witness or experience it firsthand. Understanding children's perspectives is critical to developing support systems that address their unique needs, yet their voices are often under-represented in policy and practice.

Project details

Australian Government Department of Social Services commissioned the Institute of Child Protection Studies to learn about children's perspectives when experiencing DFV. This study synthesised existing qualitative research on children's experiences to identify core impacts, coping strategies, and support needs.

Method

• Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies exploring children's lived experiences with DFV, capturing themes related to emotional impact, coping mechanisms, and relational dynamics.

Findings

• Emotional impact: Children report DFV as a persistent source of fear, helplessness, and sadness, which often continues to affect them even after the violence has ceased.
• Relational disruption: DFV damages children's relationships with family and peers, contributing to social isolation and difficulty in forming secure connections.
• Coping and resilience: Children employ various coping strategies to protect themselves and their families, showing notable resilience and agency.
• Support needs: Children seek safety, emotional support, and involvement in decisions impacting their lives. They value being informed and empowered to re-establish secure relationships.

Projected community impact

Findings are intended to guide policy and practice to improve the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of children affected by DFV.

Publications

Noble-Carr, D., McArthur, M., & Moore, T. (2017). Children's Experiences of Domestic and Family Violence: Findings from a Meta-Synthesis. Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University.

Noble-Carr, D., Moore, T., & McArthur, M. (2020). Children's experiences and needs in relation to domestic and family violence: Findings from a meta-synthesis. Child & Family Social Work, 25(1), 182-191.

Noble-Carr, D., Moore, T., & McArthur, M. (2021). The nature and extent of qualitative research conducted with children about their experiences of domestic violence: Findings from a meta-synthesis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 22(4), 928-943.

Project timeline

Completed 2017

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au