The cycle of generational violence theory describes how children who are exposed to domestic violence in the home are led to see those controlling, abusive or even submissive behaviours as acceptable. This then leads to an internalisation of beliefs where they see violent behaviour – or acceptance of violent behaviour – as a normal way to resolve conflict which in turn leads to repetition and replication of those behaviours. In adulthood, this often then transmits to becoming either a perpetrator or victim of domestic violence. In Australia, the possibility of children modelling violent or abusive behaviour is of significant concern as the Australian Child Maltreatment Study found that almost 40% of all Australians over the age of 16 experienced exposure to domestic violence throughout childhood (ACMS, 2023). The effects of that exposure are profound with one study finding that 40% of children reported post-traumatic stress symptoms even, on average, two years after a violent relationship ending. A study of over 16,000 school age children who were exposed to violence in the home also found that more than half had one or more social problems including social withdrawal and conflict with peers. Without support and guidance, these children – who are often taught to keep quiet about domestic violence due to the secrecy of it – are at greater risk of internalising these behaviours and feelings and engaging in domestic violence in adulthood. A study by ANROWS even asked young people what their rationale for using violence was and, along with many others, one recognised it was “observational learning; from young I’ve seen abuse in front of me and I assumed that is how issues were dealt with.” This is why properly supporting children can break the cycle of violence. We can become 'generation liberation' with validation, guidance, support and safety.

Three Key Learnings:
1. Childhood exposure to domestic violence increases risk of future domestic violence perpetration or victimisation. This is recognised by the intergenerational transmission of violence theory.

2. The intergenerational transmission of violence can be stopped/reduced through learned positive coping mechanisms and resilience.

3. Children can become resilient, and thus break the intergenerational transmission of violence, through having their experiences validated in their own right, through being provided with support and through being given pathways to safety.