Megan Lexi Maldonado • 2024 McNair Summer Research Symposium • July 8, 2024

Megan Lexi Maldonado

Class of 2025

Major: Forensic Science (Criminology)

Mentor: Colton Daniels, PhD

St. Mary’s University

Importance of intervention: In children who witness IPV as to prevent

development of detrimental effects on their developmental skills and efforts

Recent increases in domestic violence and Intimate Partner Violence have raised concerns about

the impact on children and need for early intervention. By understanding that there are crucial

milestones during childhood and that there are correlating developmental moments that can be

disrupted with along with environmental factors furthermore promotes that there should be a

change in awareness around this issue. Trauma exposed children exhibit anger and aggression,

possibly due to modeled behavior and if this continues, it can lead to exacerbated behavioral

challenges. Children are highly impressionable, meaning they often mimic behaviors observed in

their parents. Thus, parental involvement, especially maternal support, plays a crucial role. Yet

children are also affected by other environmental factors such as cultural and social ones. By

integrating cultural factors into IPV parenting programs, we can create more sensitive and

effective support systems for both mothers and children. Additionally, teacher training should

address cultural competence and awareness to better identify, and support students affected by

IPV in diverse communities. By integrating trauma-informed practices into existing programs,

we can create more resilient and healing environments for those affected by IPV. By

meticulously examining groups often overlooked—those unaware they are outliers—we can

proactively identify warning signs. Early intervention not only prevents the perpetuation of IPV

but also safeguards children’s educational development and well-being. If we also focus on

positive socio-emotional regulation and regulation prosocial skills may follow and develop as

protective factors and therefore a form of resilience. By jumpstarting a conversation where we

are collaborating with community organizations, policymakers, and legal experts to create

culturally sensitive policies ensures equitable access to justice. By embracing an intersectional

approach, policies and programs can better address the unique needs and challenges faced by

marginalized populations.

Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence, Trauma-exposed children, Parental

involvement, Behavioral challenges, Cultural factors, Trauma-informed

practice