Psychopathology in Early Childhood Witnesses of Family Violence

This study surveyed preschool children who accompanied their mothers to a battered women's shelter. Elevated rates of behavior problems and social competence difficulties were observed. White males appeared more impaired than any other gender/ethnic combination. In addition, a number of other risk factors for later educational and psychosocial difficulties were present. Survey results suggest that this is an underserved population that the field of early childhood special education should address.