The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Presenter: Sharon Reiner, LCSW

Description: 

Exposure to intimate partner violence in childhood and adolescence is widespread and leaves a long-lasting imprint on those exposed, the community at large, and future generations. This highly interactive and informative presentation provides an overview of how exposure to intimate partner violence (also known as domestic violence) impacts children and adolescents. We will briefly review the definition of intimate partner violence and the associated behaviors, how this experience impacts the abused parent’s ability to provide care to their child, and relationships of children with the abusive parent. We will touch on the struggles of co-parenting with an abusive ex after an abused person leaves the relationship. We will discuss how exposure to violence at home impacts children and teens on all levels and how this trauma experience impacts their long-term development. Finally, we will discuss the healing process and identify strategies for clinicians.

Learning Objectives:

1. List four ways exposure to intimate partner violence can affect a child or teen behaviorally, cognitively, emotionally, somatically, and socially.
   
2. Describe two ways intimate partner violence can impact a child or teen’s long-term development
   
3. Identify three factors in helping foster healing among children and teens exposed to intimate partner violence
   

Sharon Reiner, LCSW, has been providing counseling to women, teens, and children living with intimate partner violence for over five years through JFS {Hope. Along with individual counseling and family counseling, she leads groups on parenting skills and intimate partner violence. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is currently working towards certification in EMDR. Ms. Reiner also has a private practice in West Los Angeles, where she sees clients struggling with a variety of life issues. She has recently become involved in the California Society for Clinical Social work. She is known as an engaging presenter and as a highly impactful therapist.