Abstract
This research project analyzes whether or not witnessing domestic violence as a child predisposes an individual to become a perpetrator or victim of domestic violence as an adult. This study evaluated the background information disclosed in six interviews, three of which were conducted with individuals in Batterers Intervention Program and three were conducted with individuals in domestic violence victims counseling. The findings indicated that each of the participants who perpetrated domestic violence witnessed domestic violence as a child. The findings also revealed that each of the participants that perpetrated domestic violence grew up in unstable, lower income environments where only one biological parent was present, and that parent struggled with mental health and substance abuse. Individuals who grow up in lower income families that witness domestic violence, substance misuse, and untreated mental health are more likely to continue that pattern of behavior. The findings for the participants in domestic violence victims counseling were inconclusive due to the fact that only 33% of the participants witnessed domestic violence as a child. If resources such as substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, domestic violence counseling, parenting education, counseling for children, mentoring, transportation and job training are more affordable and easily accessible it is possible that the unhealthy patterns of behavior may cease to continue.
