Intimate partner violence put this woman in foster care as a child. Advocates today want more youth supports

Child exposure to domestic violence is one of the biggest risk factors of negative outcomes for children, such as mental and physical health challenges and poor concentration in school, said Katreena Scott, academic director for the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at London’s Western University.

Children removed from their homes and put in foster care or who have to move around for safety risk further harm, said Scott, a clinical psychologist.

“It may mean victims have to flee so children have to change schools — their friendships are disrupted. Although this is really important for child safety, it isn’t great for their development because they thrive on having consistent and predictable parents and environments,” she said. Link to full story here.