Domestic violence and children at risk: Empirical study of Portuguese police records

Abstract

We present a mixed exploratory study based on the analysis of news reports and denunciations for domestic violence, reported in 2010 to the Public Security Police (Porto, Portugal). The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of children, directly or indirectly involved in these situations. Statistical analysis of 167 reports revealed that 45% were from families with children, and in 29% the violence was witnessed by children. Content analysis of 141 reports also revealed physical and psychological violence directly on children and young people, including their manipulation. We concluded that there is evidence of exposure of children to domestic violence and there is a need of police officers to reinforce their specialized training on children at risk.