Being exposed to violence within the home can cause serious negative consequences for the young people involved. Studies of the effects on children of battered women have indicated severe physical and emotional problems, poor peer relations, low self-esteem, and behavior problems. However, many children are able to experience the challenges of a violent home and go on to have productive lives and successful relationships as adults.


Using data from interviews with ten adult women who witnessed domestic violence during their youth, this article examines the critical life events and ways of coping which helped these women lead rewarding lives and have successful relationships in adulthood. Separation or divorce of parents, family relocation, transitioning to high school, pursuing higher education, and marriage were the common, major transitions for these women. Adaptations, or changes in their pattern of behavior as a means of coping included vigilance, fear, and worry; anger; and perseverance and optimism.