What is the risk to children of a domestic violence perpetrator?

The negative effects of domestic violence on children are well known. The perpetrator of domestic violence poses a risk of harm to children even after the perpetrator and victim have separated, and even if the perpetrator has not physically assaulted the children. B. MacDonald J. has described this risk in a number of decisions, including LeBlanc v. Khallaf, where she stated: Children are harmed emotionally and psychologically when living in a home where there is domestic violence whether they directly witness the violence or not. Exposure to domestic violence is not in the best interests of children and those who are the perpetrators of domestic violence, who remain untreated and who remain in denial, are not good role models for their children. The fact that there is no evidence the perpetrator has actually harmed the child is an insufficient reason to conclude the perpetrator presents no risk to his or her child. One risk is that the perpetrator will continue to use violence in intimate relationships to which the child will be exposed in the future. Another is that the child may model aggressive and controlling behaviour in his or her relationships with others. There are many other risks some of which are summarized on the Government of Canada Department of Justice website providing information about spousal abuse.[12] [Emphasis added]