Witnessing domestic violence and involvement in aggressive behaviors in adolescence: a study in the Generation 21 cohort

Abstract

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that can have profound impacts on children who are exposed to it, potentially leading to behavioral and psychological challenges later in life. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence exposure among 13-year-olds and its association with aggressive behaviors, such as physical fighting, bullying, and cyberbullying. Data was analyzed from 4640 participants at 13 years follow-up from the generation 21 birth cohort. Participants completed a self-report anonymous questionnaire measuring witnessing domestic violence, involvement in fights, bullying, and cyberbullying. The questionnaire also included measures on socio-demographic variables (parental education and unemployment, household monthly income, and family structure) and the Adverse childhood experience. Results indicate that 14.2% of adolescents witnessed domestic violence, with higher exposure among boys, those from lower-income families, and those with more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Aggressive behaviors were reported by 17.4% of participants for fighting, 21.3% for bullying, and 4.6% for cyberbullying. Witnessing domestic violence significantly increased the likelihood of involvement in these behaviors, with a dose-response relationship observed for those exposed to multiple acts of violence. These findings highlight the profound impact of domestic violence on adolescent behavior, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce these risks.