| Learning Objective #1: Describe the nature of sibling relationships in child witnesses of family violence and patterns of aggression within the family as predictors of sibling aggression | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Explore the potential role of the sibling relationship as a focus for primary and secondary prevention interventions with child witnesses of family violence |
Family violence is a significant nursing issue spanning national and international borders. It is estimated that 3.3 million children witness verbal and physical abuse each year, including a range of behaviour from insults to fatal assaults. Children are described as unintended victims of violence in the home, with evidence to suggest that growing up in a violent home can place children at risk for development of physical, psychological and social problems. Data from a study examining the sibling relationship in children from violent homes will be discussed with a focus on patterns of aggression and social support within the sibling dyad. Aggression within other family relationships will also be explored in terms of predicting sibling aggression. Nurses' focus on holistic care and advocacy positions them to intervene against family violence at all levels of care. Study data suggest that the sibling relationship may be a potential focus for primary and secondary prevention interventions for child witnesses of family violence. The significance of the mother-child relationship as a predictor of sibling aggression will also be examined. Finally, the relevance of study findings to nursing practice with this vulnerable client population will be discussed.
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