Background and purpose: Aggressive behavior is one of the most common disorders in children that leads to consultation referral. The aim of this study was to predict aggression in children according to mental health and dimensions of violence against mothers.

Materials and methods: The research population included 250 mothers of preschool children who were selected by multistage sampling in Dezful, Iran. Data was collected by General Health Questioner, Violence toward Women Inventory, and Child Behavior Checklist.

Results: The results showed a significant negative correlation between mothers’ general health and children aggression (r= -0.517). But significant positive correlation was found between children aggression and mental, physical, sexual, and economic violence (0.647, 0.618, 0.360, and 0.344, respectively) against mothers (P= 0.001). Maternal mental health, and sexual and mental violence against mothers could predict aggression in children.

Conclusion: To control aggression in children, great attention should be paid to other systems such as family and the relationships within a family.