Domestic Violence Can Lead to Sibling Aggression and Abuse

"Domestic violence is a serious and prevalent public health concern that millions of U.S. children are exposed to every year. Children exposed to domestic violence are at increased risk of child maltreatment, mental and physical health problems, and academic difficulties. They are also more likely to experience sibling aggression or abuse. Patterns in family interaction, such as those in domestically violent homes, are especially influential on development in childhood and adolescence."

"Negative dynamics between adults in these households provide influential models of ineffective relationship skills and aggressive behavior that children repeat in their relationships with others. The sibling relationship is one of the first contexts in which children practice relationship and conflict management skills. Children's behavior toward their siblings is partly based on observation of their adult caregivers' relationship experiences. When children witness aggression and violence between their caregivers, they may repeat these behaviors and power dynamics with their siblings."

Domestic violence exposes millions of U.S. children to harmful family environments that increase risk for child maltreatment, mental and physical health problems, and academic difficulties. Exposure to domestic violence also elevates the likelihood of sibling aggression and abuse. Negative adult dynamics in violent homes model ineffective relationship and conflict-management skills that children mimic in sibling interactions. Sibling relationships often become early practice grounds for learned aggressive patterns, including escalating emotions, yelling, insulting, humiliation, and physical aggression sometimes causing injury or involving weapon-like objects. Screening and education that include sibling aggression and abuse can improve identification and prevention in families affected by domestic violence.

Read at Psychology Today