Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2008, 49(4): 395-404

This article examines the association between maternal intimate partner violence and behavioural problems in two and four year old Pacific children in New Zealand. This is the first epidemiologically based study of family dynamics within the New Zealand Pacific community and may provide Pacific agencies with information useful in the planning of family support services. Data for the study came from the ongoing Pacific Islands Families study. Mothers of the cohort of Pacific infants born in New Zealand during 2000 were interviewed when their children were two and four years of age. The research showed there were no significant associations between intimate partner violence and the prevalence rates of behavioural problems in the two year old child group; however the prevalence rates of behavioural problems were significantly higher among the four year old children of mothers who reported severe perpetration of intimate partner violence. The findings contribute to the understanding of how exposure to violence may affect pre-schoolers' behavioural patterns. The authors suggest the effectiveness of preventative strategies may be maximised if implemented in the early years.