Blake, Julie A., Thomas, Hannah J., Mathews, Ben, Lawrence, David M., Haslam, Divna M., Higgins, Daryl J., Malacova, Eva, Erskine, Holly E., Pacella, Rosana ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9742-1957, Finkelhor, David, Meinck, Franziska and Scott, James G. (2026) Childhood experiences of domestic violence and health service utilisation. Child Abuse and Neglect, 173:107893. ISSN 0145-2134 (Print), 1873-7757 (Online) (doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107893)

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Abstract

Background
Childhood experiences of domestic violence (EDV) are associated with short- and long-term adverse mental and physical health outcomes for victim-survivors; however, little is known about the health service utilisation among individuals with childhood EDV.
Objective
Examine associations between different forms of childhood EDV and health service utilisation.
Participants and setting
Data were drawn from the the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (n = 8503).
Methods
Associations between four forms of childhood EDV (physical violence, threats of harm, damage to property or pets, and intimidation or control) and past 12-month health service utilisation (hospitalisation, and consultation with seven health professionals) were analysed using survey-weighted logistic regression models. Estimates were calculated independently for each form of childhood EDV. Models were adjusted for each other form of EDV, four child maltreatment types, and socio-economic factors. Models were stratified by gender.
Results
Utilisation of mental health services (psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses) were significantly more common among both women and men with childhood EDV compared to those without. The strongest associations were between any domestic violence and a primary care physician consultation (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.25–1.78), and intimidation or control and a mental health professional consultation (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.22–1.69), after full adjustment. Associations were typically stronger for men in the gender-stratified analyses.
Conclusions
Childhood EDV significantly increases the likelihood of health service utilisation across the lifespan. Greater investment in domestic violence education and training for health professionals is needed.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	domestic violence, child maltreatment, Australia, health service utilisation
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2026 11:38
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/52296

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