Please explain the ongoing debate on whether or not exposure to domestic violence constitutes child abuse?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Whether or not being exposed to domestic violence constitutes abuse varies by state. Child protection services are often asked to protect children from domestic violence but have no authority over noncustodial adults. Therefore, often the action to protect children from exposure is taken against the adult victim of domestic violence, as opposed to the perpetrator. The child can be taken away from the adult victim based on the adult victims “failure to protect.” Domestic violence advocates believe that the nonperpetrating adult, and the child should be treated as victims of domestic violence. Some think that child services should act as a gateway for services for the adult victim. The only consensus is that there needs to be training and coordination between domestic violence and child maltreatment agencies.