Repercusiones psicológicas de la violencia intrafamiliar en niños y adolescentes: Una revisión sistemática desde los ámbitos clínico y forense

Abstract

Introduction: This article examines the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and the development of mental health problems in children and adolescents, considering its clinical and forensic implications, with emphasis on the Latin American context. Objective: To analyze, through a systematic review of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025, the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and the development of mental health problems in children and adolescents worldwide, with a focus on the Latin American context. Method: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was carried out across seven electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ResearchGate, SciELO, and Google Scholar), using terms related to domestic violence, child and adolescent populations, and mental health, combined with Boolean operators. Participants: Of 50 studies initially identified, 17 were excluded after title and abstract screening. Of the remaining 33, 2 could not be retrieved and 3 were excluded based on eligibility criteria. A final total of 28 studies meeting all inclusion criteria were included. Conclusions: The included studies demonstrate a robust and consistent association between exposure to domestic violence and the development of depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. The psychological damage operates through neurobiological, relational, and sociocultural mechanisms, extending from childhood into adulthood. From a forensic perspective, these findings support the need for standardized evaluation protocols that recognize the manifestations of chronic trauma as indicators of psychological harm rather than as signs of lack of credibility in children's testimonies.