ICDVP Child Witnesses 2

Question 1

Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which term describes a child who observes domestic violence occurring between household members?

Accepted Answer

Secondary victim

Answer

Children who witness domestic violence are often classified as secondary victims because the abuse directly harms their well-being even when not physically targeted.

Question 2

Research on children who witness domestic violence most consistently shows which developmental outcome?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems

Answer

Children exposed to domestic violence are at significantly elevated risk for emotional dysregulation, aggression, anxiety, and other behavioral problems.

Question 3

A child who has witnessed severe domestic violence begins wetting the bed after years of being toilet trained. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Regression

Answer

Regression — returning to earlier developmental behaviors — is a common trauma response in children exposed to domestic violence.

Question 4

In Illinois, mandatory reporters who suspect a child is being harmed by witnessing chronic domestic violence must report to:

Accepted Answer

DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services)

Answer

Illinois mandatory reporters must file reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, including exposure to domestic violence, with DCFS.

Question 5

Which parenting arrangement is generally considered safest when a batterer seeks custody and children have witnessed abuse?

Accepted Answer

Supervised visitation with safety protocols

Answer

Supervised visitation with safety protocols protects children from further exposure to violence while allowing some parent-child contact.

(ICDVP) Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals Practice Test

(ICDVP) Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals Practice Test

ICDVP Child Witnesses 2