Domestic violence and its effects on kids as well as the adults involved is often under-reported and can be forgotten about. Fortunately, a recent report via Reuters covers new research on therapy for victims of domestic violence. Essentially, group therapy has been shown to be beneficial for kids after domestic incidents, but the effects become even more positive if mothers (assuming the mother is not the abuser) get treatment of their own.

In a study of 181 children between the ages of 6 and 12 who were exposed to domestic violence in the previous year, researchers found that group therapy was effective at improving the children’s behavioral and emotional difficulties. It was more effective, however, when their mothers also received help with their parenting skills.

The results seem predictable, but the unfortunately part of the entire area is that many people who need this type of treatment have difficulty finding community providers that they can have quick access to without waiting lists, or do not have the means to pay for more comprehensive help.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 29 Apr 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.