Study suggests witnessing abuse of sibling by parent might lead to mental health issues

Findings of a new study from the University of New Hampshire suggest that children who witness the abuse of a sibling by their parent can be just as traumatised as those witnessing violence by parents against each other. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety and anger are associated with such exposure. The study was recently published in the journal Child Abuse and Neglect. Researchers used combined data to look more closely at the experiences of over 7000 children. Of the 263 (3.7 per cent) youth who had been exposed to parental abuse against a sibling (EPAS), more witnessed abuse by fathers (70 per cent) than mothers.