An examination of effects of intimate partner violence on children: A cross-sectional study conducted in a paediatric emergency unit in Turkey

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women causes inadequate and unbalanced nutrition in children aged 0–5 years and adversely affects their growth. Aim: To examine the impact of intimate partner violence on a child's growth regarding the medical diagnosis in paediatric patients under 5 years of age, growth of the child, and the mother's exposure to intimate partner violence. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 166 children admitted to a paediatric emergency department, and their mothers. Results: Women exposed to emotional violence and controlling behaviour during pregnancy had children prone to being overweight and obese. A mothers lifetime exposure to physical violence had an adverse effect on their children's wasting and moderate wasting. In contrast, mothers' exposure to emotional violence had a direct impact on a child's wasting and moderate wasting. Conclusion: The lifetime effect of domestic violence may begin at birth. This vulnerability leads to negative outcomes in both children and women regarding biopsychosocial development. Implications for nursing management: Nurses and midwives in primary health care services and one-on-one care should be trained to evaluate prospective mothers and children aged 0–5 regarding violence and its effects on the child's growth.