Witnessing and experiencing domestic violence: a descriptive study of adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to describe the experiences of different types of domestic violence among adolescents and associations between the family background and different types of domestic violence.


METHODS
The survey included 1393 ninth-graders from one Finnish municipality.


RESULTS
Domestic violence is fairly common in the lives of adolescents. Sixty-seven percent of respondents had experienced parental symbolic aggression, 55% mild violence and 9% severe violence during their childhood. Twelve percent of adolescents had witnessed parent-to-parent violence. Witnessing domestic violence and exposure to parental violence is associated with a number of adolescents' background factors such as self-perceived health, satisfaction with life, family relationships, parenting practice, school bullying and sexual activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings stress the relevance of corporal punishment and witnessing domestic violence as a risk factor for more severe domestic violence and sexual abuse. Different types of domestic violence have a major effect on adolescent well-being and risk behaviours. To break the negative cycle, nurses and other professionals working with adolescents in different settings should pay attention to all forms of violence, including the milder ones.
Lepistö
Sari
S
Department of Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Finland. sari.j.lepisto@uta.fi
Luukkaala
Tiina
T
Paavilainen
Eija
E
D000293:Adolescent; D017579:Domestic Violence; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires