PERCEPTION OF TEENAGERS WHO HAVE WITNESSED THEIR PARENTS AS A

VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal

Presented to the Faculty of the Criminal Justice Education

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

Of the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology

Madanlo, Kyla Mae

Padao, Jayson

April 2024
 Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Children search for their own meaning and understandings in what happens to
them and they act accordingly. Thus, childhood is not simply socially constructed within
a culturally relative context or biologically determined through processes of child
development; children also have agency within it: ‘childhood is a negotiated process
where children are active in constructing their own social worlds, and reflecting upon
and understanding its meaning and significance to their own personal lives’ (France et
al., 2019). The emotional impact is undeniable. Witnessing violence creates a pervasive
sense of fear and insecurity. Teens become hypervigilant, anticipating the next outburst,
living in a state of constant tension. Shame and guilt often creep in, the belief that they
could have somehow prevented the abuse or protected the victimized parent. This
internal struggle can lead to depression, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy
relationships, as the blueprint for a loving home becomes warped (Hembra,2020).
The behavioral consequences can be equally severe. Academic performance
suffers as the stress and trauma make it difficult to concentrate. Risky behaviors like
substance abuse, self-harm, or delinquency emerge as coping mechanisms for the
emotional turmoil. In their romantic relationships, they may struggle to navigate healthy
dynamics, potentially repeating the cycle of violence they were forced to witness.
Perhaps the most concerning consequence lies in the teenagers' perception of violence
itself. Repeated exposure can lead to a dangerous normalization of violence as a
means of conflict resolution within relationships. They may develop justifications for the
abuser's actions, minimizing the severity or even blaming the victim. In extreme cases,
this skewed perception can make them more likely to perpetrate violence themselves in
future relationships (Rheinberg & Engeser, 2021)
Child exposure to adult domestic violence is associated with significantly greater
behavioral, emotional, and cognitive functioning problems among children, as well as
adjustment difficulties that continue into young adulthood. Child welfare systems has
revealed that large proportions of children under protective supervision are exposed to
adult domestic violence but that screening and investigation of the violence is often
inadequate (English et al., 2005, Hazen et al., 2019).

Research Objectives
This section of the research objectives will establish the scope and depth of this
study. It will help to avoid unnecessary and non-relevant facts to include in our study for
better navigation and evaluation of the methods to be use. Specifically, this paper aims
to answer the following:
1. Examining how witnessing domestic violence affects teenagers' relationships,
academic performance, risk-taking behaviors, and overall well-being.

2. Investigating the coping strategies teenagers use to deal with the trauma and
emotional distress caused by witnessing domestic violence

3. Highlighting specific factors within the family dynamic or the teenagers'

environment that increase the risk of negative outcomes.

Significance of the study

This study will be made with the aim of providing crucial information and
knowledge regarding the topic to be discussed from the respondent, recent studies or
theses, related sites needed for the expected importance to the value as follow:

Teenagers. This research can help teenagers understand that the violence they
witnessed is not normal or acceptable, and that their feelings are justified.

Parents. Studying the teenagers' perceptions might reveal underlying factors

contributing to the abusive behavior, potentially leading parents towards seeking
individual or couples therapy to address root causes.

Social Workers. The research can help identify teenagers who may be struggling with
the effects of witnessing domestic violence, allowing for earlier intervention and support.
Scope and Delimitation
The research will cover the perception of teenagers who have witnessed their
parents as a victim of domestic violence to mainly identify the significant relation of the
two aforementioned variables. The respondent of this study will be limited solely to
those individuals with a family who have the experienced domestic violence. The time
frame of this research and data gathering will be limited within the school year 2023-
2024.

Theoretical Framework

According to the Social Learning Theory which proposed by Albert Bandura

(1977), teenagers who witness domestic violence may learn and adopt certain
behaviors and perceptions through observational learning. They may acquire beliefs
and attitudes about relationships and violence based on what they observe within their
family environment. For example, if they witness their parent as a victim of domestic
violence, they may learn to normalize or accept abusive behaviors as part of a
relationship dynamic. Additionally, the theory proposes that individuals are more
likely to imitate behaviors that are reinforced or rewarded. In the context of domestic
violence, if teenagers observe that the abuser's behaviors result in control or
dominance, they may perceive these behaviors as effective or acceptable ways of
asserting power in relationships. By applying the Social Learning Theory to the
perception of teenagers on domestic violence, researchers can explore how their
exposure to domestic violence influences their understanding, beliefs, and expectations
of relationships. It can provide insights into the socialization process and the
mechanisms through which perceptions are shaped. Understanding the role of
observational learning, reinforcement, and modeling in the context of domestic violence
can inform interventions that aim to challenge and reframe unhealthy relationship
perceptions among teenagers.
Overall, the Social Learning Theory offers a relevant framework to understand
how the perception of teenagers on domestic violence is formed and influenced by their
observation and socialization processes. It provides a basis for exploring the learned
behaviors, beliefs, and expectations that contribute to teenagers' perception of relations
Definition of terms

Perceptions. Perception is the complex process by which we take in raw

sensory information from the world and transform it into meaningful experiences. This

raw sensory data is then processed by the brain, taking into account our past

experiences, knowledge, and expectations.

Teenagers. A teenager refers to an individual between the ages of 13 and 19,

typically known as the "adolescent" stage of development.

Witnessed. typically refers to having seen or experienced something firsthand. It

implies having been present during an event and having observed it occur. In a legal

context, being a witness means having firsthand knowledge of an event or situation and

being able to testify about it in court.

Victim. A victim is someone who has suffered harm, injury, or loss as a result of

an event, circumstance, or action. This harm can be physical, emotional, psychological,

or financial.

Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used

by one partner in an intimate relationship to gain power and control over the other

partner.
 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The term “domestic violence” broadly refers to the intimate context within which
one partner is abused by another, involving both men and women as victims and same
sex partner violence. This term, while worn “smooth with use” (McIntosh, 2002) as the
most frequently used and widely accepted term, is nonetheless criticised for, among
other things, its gender-neutrality, and the primary emphasis on physical assaults and
exclusion of other abuse (Stark & Flitcraft, 1996). While some research proposes
equivalent prevalence rates of male and female perpetrated violence (Mirrlees-Black,
1999, Morse, 1995), other research rejects the symmetry of men's and women's
experience of intimate partner violence, for a number of reasons. First, the numeric
extent of violence against women exceeds that of violence against men (Tjaden &
Thoennes, 2000; Walby & Allen, 2004; Watson & Parsons, 2005).

The effects of domestic abuse on teenagers often show themselves on the

inside, even after the initial trauma. A variety of mental and behavioral issues, such as
despair, anxiety, rage, and low self-esteem, can arise from exposure to such violence.
Teenagers who are unable to handle the emotional upheaval they see around them on
a daily basis may turn to dangerous or harmful habits as coping techniques. As the
unhealthy habits seen at home become their model for interaction, this can also have a
detrimental effect on their capacity to build positive relationships with friends and love
partners. Academic performance can also suffer because it can be challenging to
concentrate and perform well in class due to the stress and emotional load of living with
domestic abuse.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, teenagers often possess a strong desire

to see the violence stop. This can manifest in seeking help from trusted adults, friends,
or hotlines, showcasing their resilience and yearning for a better life. In some cases,
teenagers may even take on protective roles, attempting to shield younger siblings or
their abused parent from further harm, putting themselves at further risk in the process
This unwavering hope for a safe and stable home environment serves as a powerful
motivator for them to seek support and advocate for change (Buckley, Whelan, & Holt,
2019).

There is now a widespread recognition that children living in a household where

mothers are abused by their partners experience considerable distress (Jaffe et al.,

2018) and frequently display adverse reactions (Wolfe et al., 2017). Yet, though some

practitioners and policy makers now go as far as regarding this as a form of indirect

abuse, mainstream services are still failing to give the most appropriate help (McGee,

2019).

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across

various demographics and has serious consequences for the well-being of those

involved. Children living with domestic violence in the home are often the forgotten

victims (Jaffe, Wolfe & Wilson 2018). In US, approximately 15.5 million American

children are exposed to at least one act of interparental violence every year, and seven

million children live in households characterized by severe domestic violence which may

include one parent beating or burning the other, threatening to use or using a knife or

gun on their partner, or forcing their partner to have sex with them. (McDonald et al.

2006).

When it comes to domestic violence, however, questions have begun to be

posed as to whether the current enunciation of children’s rights is sufficiently

sophisticated to encompass the complexities of living with abuse (Kelly and Mullender,
2018). In relation to the UN Convention, there is no doubt that children require

protection by the state from all forms of abuse, exploitation and neglect (Articles 19 and

34) and to have their survival and development ensured by the policy and practice

response that operate in their best interests.

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

This chapter illustrates the methodology that will be used in this research study.
The methodology to be used includes the following research design, research locale
and duration, sampling technique, data source, data gathering procedure, and data
analysis.
Research Design
The researchers will use qualitative descriptive research design. This method is
used to describe the situation to explore the causes of a particular phenomenon. This
research design is considered because, it enables the researcher to generate data
through the standardized collection procedures as per based on highly structured
research instrument. The descriptive research approach collects data in order to
answer questions regarding the current state of the subjects or topic of investigation. It
employs formal measures to investigate a sample's preferences, attitudes, practices,
concerns, or interests. Same as true, descriptive study determines and reports the
current state of affairs. The researcher can undertake a thorough evaluation of the study
using this strategy, and the result can be used to make sound judgments. In this study,
the descriptive research approach will be utilized to collect the necessary information
about the perspectives of the respondents on the rules and responsibilities of
criminology students. (Gall et. al)

Research Locale and Duration

This study will be conducted in selected barangay within City of Mati Davao
Oriental. The respondents will be subjected to an in-depth interview in their comfortable
places that the respondents will choose to. The study will be conducted within the entire
semester of the academic year 2023-2024.

Figure 1. Dahican, City of Mati, Davao Oriental

Figure 2. Brgy. Mayo, City of Mati, Davao Oriental

Sampling Technique
In this qualitative study, the sampling technique is judgmental sampling in which
this involves selecting participants based on the researcher's judgment or knowledge of
the population based on data or information obtained from previous samples,
researchers can set other samples that are considered to provide more complete data.
Sources of Data
The primary source of data will be coming from the answers of the participants
who through the utilization of open-ended interview guide/questionnaire. The response
of the participants will cordially answer the research problems of this study. The
researchers will employ an open-ended interview guide/questionnaire which will
undergo content validation from the experts, adviser, and Professor of research or
thesis subject. The interview guide/questionnaire will be composed of three (3) parts.
The first part is the intended to determine how witnessing domestic violence affects
teenagers' relationships, academic performance, risk-taking behaviors, and overall well-
being. The second part is to investigate the coping strategies teenagers use to deal
with the trauma and emotional distress caused by witnessing domestic violence. The
last part is highlighting specific factors within the family dynamic or the teenagers'
environment that increase the risk of negative outcomes.

Data Gathering procedure

Before the researchers will begin the distribution of the interview guide and the
conduct of interview together with the participants, the former will humbly seek the
approval from the ethics review committee from the university where the researchers
will be conducting the study to affirm that the series of statements is within the ambit of
human conscience and not subject to any form of intimidation or harassment.
Thereafter, the researchers will ask the approval from the program head of criminology
department through request letter.
Once the approval is given to conduct the study with the participants, the
researchers will speak to the former about the nature and purpose of the study. More
so, the researchers will personally explain the study to the participants to discuss and
narrate the purpose of the study.
In retrieving the accomplished interview guide/questionnaire, the researcher will
ensure that all the required data will be answered accordingly. The gathered data
through the retrieved interview guide/questionnaire will be subjected to a thorough
analysis with the help of a duly qualified thematic analyst.
 The researchers will provide information to the participants concerning the study,
such as procedures, risk and benefits, and their right to withdraw from the study. The
participants will be afforded sufficient time to consider whether or not to participate in
the research. Mutual consent is obtained through this conveyance. The interview
guide/questionnaire will be administered via Microsoft forms thereby; it will be handed
directly to the participants once they have accepted the invitation to participate. They
can decide not to answer the questionnaire or opt out of the study at any time whenever
they feel vulnerable or uncomfortable talking about their perspectives, opinions or
sentiments about the present study.

Analysis of data
To answer and satisfy each of the objectives included in this study, the
researchers will subject the collected data to a meticulous thematic analysis with the
help of the duly recognized thematic analyst in order to extract the significant themes
which shall be further discussed and elaborated in the succeeding chapters to meet the
above-mentioned objectives.

Ethical Consideration
By following the study protocol and all other rules pertaining to it, the researchers
will follow ethical standards in such a way that this study will be properly carried out.
Proper consent will also be obtained from the respondents who will be told that all of
their rights will be fully safeguarded, particularly when it comes to the management of
the data, including the following matters:
Voluntary Participation. All of the participants in this study will have the option
to engage according to their own free will without facing any consequence or penalty.
As a result, after explaining the goals and advantages of the study to the respondents,
the respondents' rights to participate in the study will be carefully considered and
respected.

Informed Consent Process. The research questionnaire is free of technical

terms and is easily understandable to the respondents of the study; it will provide the
population a clear view of benefits the school may generate after the conduct of the
study. The questionnaire will be administered with the consent and support of the
authorities; therefore, no research questionnaire will be given to any respondent without
permission from the authored command channels.

Privacy and Confidentiality. The respondent’s personal information including

all other data to be gathered from them which will be required in the study will be kept
private and utmost confidentiality of the same will be adhered upon strictly.

Fabrication. This study is predicated on multiple trustworthy and precise

investigations. It guarantees that the researcher presents the writers' opinions based on
their own understanding and ideas instead of creating a narrative based on his works. It
also ensures that no information, findings, or conclusions have been purposefully
fabricated, and the writers have accurately anchored and acknowledged the material.

Risk. The high-risk situations that the population might encounter in terms of

physical, psychological, or socioeconomic issues will never be triggered by this.

Conflict of interest. This study will not include any peace of information
resulting from conflict of interest. The study will never influence any secondary interest
and it will only focus on the primary interest that is concerned with the participant’s
welfare and the validity of research trends.

Plagiarism. The act of copying. There would be no usage of presentations with

content from this research that could be interpreted as plagiarized. The researcher
would be able to convey the idea based on the authors of several studies in his own
words if he used the Grammarly Turnitin tool or any other plagiarism detection program
that guaranteed consistency of grammar and a decrease in the similarity index.