Researchers say the study is further evidence that seeing violence in the home can lead to serious mental health issues in children and hamper their ability to lead a normal life.
"The findings suggest that systematic efforts are needed to ensure that mental health needs are identified and addressed appropriately in children exposed to this violence," the researchers write in the study.
They collected data on 2020 families who were suspected by Child Protective Services of abusing or neglecting their children.
The researchers found that mothers who say they were beaten, choked or threatened with a weapon were more likely to have children with emotional and behavioral problems.
Led by Dr. Andrea L. Hazen of the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center in San Diego, the study authors found that abused women were more likely to use physical punishment and be aggressive toward their children. This resulted in higher instances of depression, anxiety and aggressive behavior among their children.
But just seeing the abuse was enough to have a negative affect on the children, reports Reuters.
The study appears in the January issue of Pediatrics.
