Clinical Report: Addressing Maternal Injury from Violence and Children's Exposure
Background
Maternal violent injury, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV), is a significant public health concern, affecting a substantial number of women and children. IPV affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 children in the U.S., which can lead to severe physical and mental health consequences. Understanding the link between maternal violence and child maltreatment is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Data Highlights
Type of Injury
Pooled Prevalence
95% Confidence Interval
Physical Injury
42%
31%-55%
Sexual Injury
17%
12%-22%
Key Findings
Maternal violent injury is associated with a 1.65 pooled prevalence ratio for child injury (Fazio et al, 2026).
42% of children exposed to maternal violence experience physical injury (Fazio et al, 2026).
17% of children exposed to maternal violence experience sexual injury (Fazio et al, 2026).
IPV-exposed families have 3.64-fold higher odds of subsequent child maltreatment (Fazio et al, 2026).
66% of children encounter multiple types of trauma, leading to worse trauma symptoms (Fazio et al, 2026).
Clinical Implications
Frontline clinicians should recognize maternal violent injury as a sentinel event that warrants a trauma-informed pediatric response.
Conclusion
Addressing maternal violence through trauma-informed care is essential for protecting children.
