Behavioral problems in the children of women who are victims of intimate partner violence

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the maternal experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) and children's behavioral problems. Sample: The secondary data of the National Survey on Women's Health and Life Experience, which included 980 Cambodian children aged 6–12 years whose mothers responded to questions, were analyzed. Measurements: IPV was measured as any experience of physical or sexual violence against a woman by her husband. The children's behavioral problems were indicated by nightmares, bed-wetting, timidity, and aggressive behavior as reported by their mothers. Results: The children of the women who had experienced sexual violence had a higher prevalence of nightmares (adjusted OR (aOR) = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.421–3.470), bed-wetting (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.398−3.308), and timidity (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.075–3.019) than those without reported IPV. The children of mothers who had experienced physical violence had a higher rate of aggression (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.321–3.630). Conclusion: The Cambodian children exposed to IPV against their mothers experienced more behavioral problems. This study presents evidence to support changes in current policy to prevent violence and alleviate behavioral problems.