Domestic violence incidents with children witnesses: findings from Rhode Island surveillance data.

In this study we analyze factors associated with children witnessing police-reported domestic violence (DV) and determine the age distribution of children witnessing. Rhode Island Department of Health surveillance data (1996-1998) from police forms were used to assess demographic characteristics of victims, characteristics of incidents, whether children were present, and children's ages. Victim gender, age, race/ethnicity, relationship to suspect, and whether the victim was assaulted were all strong predictors of children witnessing a DV incident. Almost half (48%) of the children who witnessed DV incidents were less than 6 years old. To reach these young children, prevention and intervention programs will need to target parents and caretakers of young children and/or pediatricians.