Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. It can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse. Recognizing, reporting, and escaping domestic violence can be incredibly challenging, and for refugee and newcomer families, there may be additional barriers to recognizing, reporting, and escaping domestic violence, including language barriers, cultural expectations, and fear of immigration consequences. 

Children and youth are often deeply affected by domestic violence, even if they are not direct targets of abuse. Witnessing violence between caregivers is recognized as a form of childhood trauma and an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) that can impact a child’s emotional, behavioral, and developmental wellbeing. 

For providers, understanding how domestic violence affects refugee and newcomer children and youth is essential to providing safe, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive support. Providers can play an important role in recognizing warning signs, responding in ways that prioritize safety and trust, and connecting youth and/or their families to appropriate resources and services.