Domestic Violence & the Effects on Children

The effects of domestic violence on the life of a child are devastating.

The effects of domestic violence on a child are lifelong and, in some cases, fatal. According to the International Child Abuse Network, in 1999 an estimated 1,401 child abuse and neglect related fatalities were confirmed by Child Protective Service agencies. The mind of a child is impressionable; a child exposed to repeated acts of violence will eventually consider it as a normal and acceptable way of life. More than 3.3 million children are exposed to domestic violence annually. Simply defined, domestic violence includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and abuse to property and pets.

Signs

A child who is withdrawn may be displaying signs that indicate domestic violence.

The Child Welfare Information Gateway says that behavior such as withdrawal, lack of social skills and aggressive behaviors are indicative of exposure to domestic violence. Children who are afforded the opportunity to communicate either verbally or nonverbally will often provide signs of domestic violence.

Younger Children

According to Dr. Joseph Volpe, Director of Professional Development at The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, younger children (ages 5 to 10) tend to blame themselves for the violent occurrences at home and carry with them an exceptional amount of guilt, which typically will cause withdrawal and social problems. Withdrawal, lack of appropriate emotional response and odd behavior such as chronic bed wetting and the inability to concentrate are symptoms of a greater problem.

Pre-Adolescent Children

Pre-adolescents can take on the behaviors of their parents.

The pre-adolescent child (ages 10 to 13) is generally at a stage in life when he is looking to parents and relatives for guidance on tough issues. At this age, children are beginning to learn about where they come from and who they are as individuals. Children exposed to domestic violence at this age begin to take on the reflective behaviors of the offenders. hese pre-adolescents are capable of violent acts and excessive outspoken behavior, as well as the extreme opposites of these behaviors.

Adolescents

Adolescents exposed to domestic violence are capable of damaging behavior.

The effects of domestic violence on adolescents (ages 13 to 19) can be the most extreme. Children exposed to domestic violence at this age have generally experienced years of observation and victimization. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, truancy, failed academics, drug and alcohol use, and fighting are all behaviors that are a result of an adolescent being exposed to repeated domestic violence.

Prevention/Solution

Many agencies lend a helping hand to those who are victims of domestic violence.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides detailed information for agencies that manage domestic violence cases against children. It is available 24 hours a day at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 1.800.787.3224 (TTY) and provides crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

References

• eNot Alone: Childrens Exposure to Domestic Violence
• American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress: Effects of Domestic Violence on Children and Adolescents
• Royal College of Psychiatrists: Mental Health and Growing Up
• Educational Research Information Center: American Psychological Association
• Yes I Can: Child Abuse Statistics

Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline