Four out of ten homes where DV occurs contain vulnerable children under 12 years of age. Fifty percent of men who abuse their female mates also abuse their children. Three to ten million U.S. children witness violence in their homes and are parented by mothers who are highly stressed by their own victimization.

Anxiety disorders, learning impairments, drug and alcohol abuse, high risk behavior, and social disorders are all well documented consequences of DV in children. Sadly, these victimized children frequently perpetuate the role expectations demonstrated by their parents; girls becoming adult victims of DV and boys becoming adult abusers.