Children’s Experiences, Perspectives and Participation in the Context of Domestic Violence: A Scoping Review
摘要
This article presents key findings from a scoping review, which answers the following question: What is the state of knowledge on children’s experiences, perspectives and participation in the context of domestic violence?
MethodsThe scoping review focused on articles published in academic journals between 2009 and 2020. A five-stage process was followed (Arksey & O’Malley, 2005), using Covidence software to manage the data. The review included 34 articles.
ResultsMost studies were conducted in European countries, and most authors were from the fields of social work and psychology. All selected articles used qualitative methods to collect data directly from children. We identified three main themes (addressed in at least 20% of the articles) and several emerging themes (addressed in less than 20% of the articles). The main themes were children’s emotions and strategies, children’s relationships with their mothers and children’s relationships with their fathers. The emerging themes were children’s relationships with their siblings, children’s relationships with their grandparents, gender stereotypes, child protection and custody proceedings, disclosure, children’s relationships with their extended family and community, and police intervention.
ConclusionWhile additional research is needed in this area, this review highlights the importance of listening to children’s voices, understanding their experiences from their own perspectives, and fostering their participation. In the right conditions, when they feel safe and supported, children are able to share their experiences, express their emotions, articulate their strategies, and talk about their relationships.