Children who grow up in homes where domestic violence occurs may be affected both directly and indirectly by abusive behavior toward a parent. Some children may be caught in the crossfire, and some will witness violent acts.

The Supreme Court of Ohio recently hosted a webinar to connect courts with resources to help judges and their staff navigate the complex dynamics children may face when exposed to domestic violence while highlighting the critical roles courts play in these cases.

The challenging circumstances require thoughtful, balanced decision-making. Courts are often tasked with navigating competing priorities — preventing further harm, supporting the non-offending parent, ensuring perpetrator accountability, and, in some cases, considering reunification.

“I've been around long enough to see that even the children who are exposed to horrific violence and horrific living conditions still are very connected typically to biological parents and will seek them out and want their love and attention,” said Judge Linda Warner of the Meigs County Common Pleas Court.

Even if she thinks the offender committed a terrible act, Judge Warner explained that she’s faced with the tough challenge of balancing the offense against the child’s desire to maintain a relationship with their parents and the parents’ rights to have a relationship with their child.

The Court invited experts from the child advocacy center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – The Center for Family Safety and Healing – to lead an interactive session exploring the intersection of domestic violence and parenting.

The Center for Family Safety and Healing emphasized that domestic violence is not just isolated incidents but a pattern of coercive control that impacts both the survivor and children, often shaping parenting, safety, and family dynamics. The center’s experts highlighted the importance of focusing on survivor safety and holding the person causing harm accountable. Additionally, they encouraged courts to use trauma-informed, collaborative approaches and carefully consider how decisions, such as visitation or legal processes, may impact ongoing safety and well-being.

Judges, magistrates, and other court personnel also gained insight into strategies used by parents who have survived domestic violence to protect their children, as well as practical tools to enhance safety for child and adult survivors while promoting accountability for abusive behavior.

Learn more about the Court Café webinar series and explore past topics by visiting the Children & Families section on the Supreme Court website.