Domestic violence can have powerful and lasting effects on children, even if they are not directly involved in the violence. Family violence creates a home environment that is chaotic,
stressful, and unsafe. A little unknown fact is that children
who witness domestic violence are just as negatively impacted
as children who experience the physical abuse for themselves.
stressful, and unsafe. A little unknown fact is that children
who witness domestic violence are just as negatively impacted
as children who experience the physical abuse for themselves.
The physical effects of domestic violence on children include: sleep and eating disturbances, toileting issues, frequent illness, fatigue, headaches, stomach upset, self harm, injury, sexual abuse, and death.
The emotional effects of domestic violence on children include: constant anxiety, emotional numbness, low self-esteem, depression, codependency, self-blame, shame, fearfulness, and general distrust.
The behavioral effects of domestic violence on children include: poor boundaries, temper tantrums, poor impulse control, aggression, withdrawal, perfectionism, delinquency, lying, and violent behavior.
Thus, children who witness domestic violence are at an increased risk for maladaptation. Furthermore, it is very important to advocate on behalf of children in domestic abuse situations in order to interrupt the negative spiral of maladaptation, as long-term consequences of childhood exposure to domestic violence are dire. For instance, adult men who as children were exposed to their parents' domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents. Additionally, people who had been exposed to domestic violence are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, engage in teenage prostitution, and commit sexual assault crimes.
Children have the right to a safe home and a safe family. They deserve to be listened to, believed in, validated, and told that whatever has happened to them was never their fault. Children crave structure and consistency in the midst of a chaotic upbringing; they need dependable adults in their lives who do not flake on them. Children want support and security from safe adults; they need to know that they can still have trust in others. Please support these children by finally letting them break the silence and speak about their experiences. Do not minimize or dismiss what they have gone through, but rather, let them know that you recognize their fears and troubles, even though they may not be the direct targets of abuse. Show them that you care about them and their safety by asking them if they are okay. This will let the child know that their feelings and their needs are just as important as the feelings and needs of their parents. This knowledge is especially valuable for them to have, if they have been parentified by their abused parent. Please remember, you do not have to be an official advocate to stick up for children and their safety. Anyone can speak up on behalf of a child's protection and well-being. Anyone can report a serious case to Child Welfare Services. Anyone can simply touch base with a child to make sure that they are all right. It can make all the difference in the world for a child to hear from someone else, "It's not your fault. You did not deserve this. What happened to you was not okay. This must feel very scary for you. How you feel is important; I will listen to you." Use your voice to empower children.
For more information on how to help children who have experienced domestic violence, please refer to this online guide.
The emotional effects of domestic violence on children include: constant anxiety, emotional numbness, low self-esteem, depression, codependency, self-blame, shame, fearfulness, and general distrust.
The behavioral effects of domestic violence on children include: poor boundaries, temper tantrums, poor impulse control, aggression, withdrawal, perfectionism, delinquency, lying, and violent behavior.
Thus, children who witness domestic violence are at an increased risk for maladaptation. Furthermore, it is very important to advocate on behalf of children in domestic abuse situations in order to interrupt the negative spiral of maladaptation, as long-term consequences of childhood exposure to domestic violence are dire. For instance, adult men who as children were exposed to their parents' domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents. Additionally, people who had been exposed to domestic violence are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, engage in teenage prostitution, and commit sexual assault crimes.
Children have the right to a safe home and a safe family. They deserve to be listened to, believed in, validated, and told that whatever has happened to them was never their fault. Children crave structure and consistency in the midst of a chaotic upbringing; they need dependable adults in their lives who do not flake on them. Children want support and security from safe adults; they need to know that they can still have trust in others. Please support these children by finally letting them break the silence and speak about their experiences. Do not minimize or dismiss what they have gone through, but rather, let them know that you recognize their fears and troubles, even though they may not be the direct targets of abuse. Show them that you care about them and their safety by asking them if they are okay. This will let the child know that their feelings and their needs are just as important as the feelings and needs of their parents. This knowledge is especially valuable for them to have, if they have been parentified by their abused parent. Please remember, you do not have to be an official advocate to stick up for children and their safety. Anyone can speak up on behalf of a child's protection and well-being. Anyone can report a serious case to Child Welfare Services. Anyone can simply touch base with a child to make sure that they are all right. It can make all the difference in the world for a child to hear from someone else, "It's not your fault. You did not deserve this. What happened to you was not okay. This must feel very scary for you. How you feel is important; I will listen to you." Use your voice to empower children.
For more information on how to help children who have experienced domestic violence, please refer to this online guide.