Effects of Domestic Violence Exposure on Behavioural Outcomes of Children in Calabar, Cross River State

This study investigates the effects of exposure to domestic violence on the behavioural outcomes of children aged 5 to 12 years in Calabar, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. Domestic violence remains a pervasive social problem in Nigerian households, and children who witness or are exposed to intimate partner violence between caregivers are known to be at elevated risk of behavioural and emotional difficulties. This research employed a cross-sectional design and recruited 310 children and their primary caregivers from community health centres in Calabar Municipal and Calabar South. Domestic violence exposure was assessed using the Child Exposure to Domestic Violence Scale, while behavioural outcomes were evaluated with the Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist. Results reveal that children with high levels of domestic violence exposure showed significantly elevated scores on internalising problems, including anxiety and withdrawal, and externalising problems, including aggression and conduct disorder. Female children demonstrated more internalising symptoms, while male children manifested more externalising behaviours. Social support from extended family and school connections partially buffered the adverse behavioural effects. The study recommends the establishment of integrated family violence response teams in Calabar that include child psychologists and social workers, alongside community awareness campaigns to normalise help-seeking among affected families. Keywords: domestic violence, behavioural outcomes, children, Calabar, internalising problems.