Children exposed to DV may experience
developmental delay, lower academic
performance, delinquency, inability to maintain
peer friendships, sleep disturbance, regressive
behaviours (toileting), increased aggression, selfharm,
substance misuse, running away from
home, increased risk of dating violence.
2. History of significant alcohol/ drug misuse
Does the perpetrator have a history of substance
misuse? Research indicates a link between
substance misuse and DV. Substance misuse can
lead to conflict in a relationship but can also
enable a DV perpetrator to excuse his behaviour.
3. History of mental ill health issues
While not all adults who experience mental ill
health will become perpetrators of DV, research
shows that having a history of serious mental ill
health can lead to irrational behaviour which can
include DV.