Differences and Similarities in Pairs of Siblings Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: A Clinical Case Study

Although much is known about the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on children in general, little is known about sibling differences in adjustment following IPV exposure. The experiences of 2 sibling pairs who participated in an intervention for preschoolers are described using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The 2 sibling pairs illustrate the ways in which exposure to IPV affects children in the same family differently. Although all 4 children experienced fewer posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following intervention, the adjustment of the younger siblings improved more than their older siblings. The older siblings also had more adjustment problems than their younger siblings, both before and after the program. Results suggest that even though children exposed to IPV in the same family may develop problems in adjustment, they may not express their distress or recover from it in the same way.