Georgia PhinnTommie ByrdITA 10123 November 2013Domestic Violence Against ChildrenWhat is domestic violence? According to Minnesota Statue 5181B.01, Domestic Abuse Act, defines domestic violence as intentionally causing physical and physical harm, assault, and infliction of fear against a family member or partner within a household (Jau, Lina, 1998). Domestic violence is a serious social problem and the age, ethnic origin or economic status of that family does not matter. This article will explore the causes and effects of domestic violence against children and the impact on the child's development into adulthood and what can be done to correct this social problem. There are numerous causes of domestic violence against children. One of the main causes is the excessive consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs by an adult within the family as a factor that causes violent and aggressive behavior towards children. A terrifying case and point is the trial of Eric Pratt. According to "Lasting Wounds For Everyone But The Batterer" (2000), Eric Pratt was sentenced to 10 to 30 years for throwing his 2-year-old daughter against a brick wall, knocking her unconscious and using his fist to knock her out the mother of his daughter due to drug- and alcohol-induced rage attacks. One of the saddest parts of this case is that he completely denied his arraignment. After investigation, it was discovered that Eric Pratt had a drug problem and the mother was aware of this problem and refused to end the relationship. Another major cause of domestic violence against children is the high-risk violent environment in which the child resides. For example, in the case of Eric Pratt, his wife Massie was aware that Pratt abused alcohol and... middle of paper... domestic violence. Abusers must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law for their actions. Jau Library Database, Lina. “What is domestic violence?” Asian Pages: 11. November 14, 1998. ProQuest. Network. November 22, 2013. Milloy, Courtland. “Lasting injuries to everyone except the batterer.” The Washington Post: 0. March 22, 2000. ProQuest. Network. November 23, 2013. Shah, Nirvi. "Child Violence; 'National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence'." Education Week 22 May 2013: 5. Opposing points of view in context. Network. November 23, 2013.McCarthy, John and Angela Alsobrooks. "The invisible victims of domestic violence". The Washington Post, February 17, 2013. ProQuest. Network. November 16, 2013.Glazer, Sarah. "Violence against women". CQ Researcher 26 February 1993: 169-92. Network. November 23, 2013.Mantel, Barbara. "Domestic violence". CQ Researcher Nov 15, 2013: 981-1004. Network. November 16. 2013.