Social Policy Journal of New Zealand / Te Puna Whakaaro, June 1998, 10: 177-189

This article explores children's perspectives and experiences of violence. Definitions of violence are discussed, with the witnessing of violence by children classified as a form of psychological abuse. The authors emphasise the dearth of research in New Zealand pertaining to children's experiences of violence. The authors conducted a study of 259 children, aged 11 to 13 years, to investigate the impact of violence on children, and what events affect them the most. Approximately half of the sample had witnessed adults fighting in the home. The authors found that witnessing violence was significantly detrimental to children, emphasising the vulnerability of children to events occurring around them. Sexual 'touching' and physical violence towards children was uncommon, but when this did occur, the impact on the child was substantial with largely emotional as opposed to physical consequences. Implications for policy and practice, and means of prevention and intervention are discussed.