Supporting Children After Domestic Homicide: A Scoping Review of Caregiving and Societal Responses

There is a pressing need for more knowledge about the experiences of children bereaved by domestic homicide and how society responds to their needs. This scoping review explores what is currently known about these children’s experiences and examines the broader social and professional responses that influence their recovery, including societal attitudes, professional interventions, and decision-making processes that shape their everyday lives. We identified 40 relevant publications via a systematic search of 4 databases and additional methods. We searched for all articles that tackled the consequences of intimate partner homicide for children, including societal responses, professional interventions, and decision-making processes. The scoping review revealed several areas that have been the focus of children bereaved by domestic violence: intrapersonal themes such as behavioral and mental health consequences; complex feelings of identity, and a series of societal responses and challenges were also discussed; challenges in placement and care; stigma and social reactions; and support and institutional barriers. This review underscores the complex interplay between children’s exposure to parental intimate partner homicide, the caregiving relationships that follow, societal attitudes, and the role of professional systems. Despite important advances, substantial gaps remain in full understanding how these factors interact to shape bereaved children’s coping and long-term outcomes. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing evidence-based policies and interventions that better support children through their grief and beyond.