Findings strongly advocate for the widespread acceptance of EDV as a unique and separate category of child maltreatment and a reportable child protection concern. The study found that although child maltreatment is often defined in time, culture, and place, EDV is actually a type of child abuse that has been under recognized by child protection agencies, families, health professionals, and society. In children experiencing EDV, there is often coexistent physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and/or emotional abuse, potentiating the negative consequences for the child. These findings should encourage and shape much needed public debate to effect social change and help inform health professionals and legislators of the significant impact of EDV on children and their families. Once identified as a detrimental form of child abuse, the focus can shift to developing sound methodology for intervening with these children and their families. Child protection agencies currently struggle with the management of these cases and are looking to academia and experts in the field for direction. Further research should focus on primary prevention initiatives, early intervention programs, and effective treatment options for children who have been exposed to domestic violence. These efforts are believed to be imperative to the curtailment of this unique and neglected form of child maltreatment. References