Perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence: The risk for adult revictimisation

Abstract

The prevalence of domestic violence is described as pervasive with a majority of victims being
females and perpetrators being males. Often females who experienced domestic violence had
been previously exposed to family violence during childhood. The aim of the study was therefore
to investigate the perceived childhood exposure to domestic violence as a predisposing factor
for revictimisation in adulthood. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional
correlation design. The sample consisted of 77 female participants from shelters across Cape
Town, Western Cape. The study employed an adapted version of the Child Exposure to Domestic
Violence (CEDV) Scale. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, namely demographic
details, types of exposure to domestic violence the adult may have experienced as a child, and
current adult experiences of domestic violence. The data was analysed using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences V21 (SPSS). Results suggest that there is a significant positive
relationship between past perceived experiences of domestic violence and present perceived
experiences of domestic violence. Limitations and recommendations are stipulated for proposed
intervention strategies and further study expansion on this topic.