Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a Child Witnessing Domestic Violence in a Rural Community of North Borneo: Case Report

Abstract

Managing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children from rural areas, particularly those exposed to domestic violence, presents considerable challenges. This study explores a case from North Borneo, highlighting an elevated risk of disruptive behaviour disorders in such contexts. The case involves a five-year-old boy, previously without medical history, exhibiting behavioural changes linked to two years of direct exposure to domestic violence. Meeting PTSD diagnostic criteria, the child displays symptoms including nightmares, aggression, and avoidance behaviours, emphasizing a potential risk for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). The findings corroborate empirical evidence indicating a significant correlation between domestic violence exposure, PTSD symptomatology, and subsequent disruptive behaviour disorders in children. This case report underscores the imperative for heightened awareness and targeted interventions in rural communities, stressing the need for proactive strategies in addressing PTSD among children, particularly those facing domestic violence.