Children who witness the assault of a parent (or an adult who is significant in their life) can be just as seriously affected by witnessing abuse as being abused. they are at risk of being assaulted themselves, of developing adjustment problems during chidhood and adolescence, and of continuuing the cycle of violence. most violent behaviour is learned. some studies indicated that between 40-60% of assaulting men witnessed their mothers being assaulted when they were children. children exposed to parent assault have a similar adjustment problems as children who are themselves physically abused. children of an abused parent rate significantly below their peers in areas such as school performance, participation in organized sports and activities, and social involvement. serious behviour problems are 17 times higher for boys and 10 times higher for girls who have witnessed assault than for other children. studies indicate that child adjustment problems relate more to witnessing domestic violence than to the separation, divorce or loss of parents.