DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EFFECTS ON CHILDRENS

1.Introduction

The effects of domestic violence on children have a tremendous impact on the well-being and developmental growth of children witnessing it. Children who witness domestic violence in the home often believe that they are to blame, live in a constant state of fear, and are 15 times more likely to be victims of child abuse. Close observation during an interaction can alert providers to the need for further investigation and intervention, such as[1] dysfunctions in the physical, behavioral, emotional, and social areas of life, and can aid in early intervention and assistance for child victims.(1)

2. Prenatal Stage

Domestic violence may begin, or increase, when women become pregnant. Pregnant women may feel more dependent on their partners for emotional and financial help during the pregnancy. They may also rely on their partners to fulfill their desire to be a family.

Abusive partners may use this dependency to gain further control in the relationship. They may be jealous about the pregnancy and may use violence to make sure their needs are being met. Physical violence may cause women to deliver early or have a miscarriage. Violence can also cause stress, which may affect womens eating habits and coping behaviour (e.g., smoking, substance abuse). This can affect the babys weight or cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. As a result, children may be affected by domestic violence even before they are born. (2)

3. Infancy (birth to 12 months)

Babies may become upset in a loud and chaotic home where there is no routine. This can cause babies to get sick or have eating and sleeping problems.

Parents may not be able to meet the needs of the baby because of the negative effects of domestic violence (e.g., physical injuries, emotional exhaustion, depression, substance abuse, money problems). The abusive parent may be jealous of the baby because of the time and attention the baby needs. To try to avoid further abuse, the parent may not always put the babys needs first. This affects the relationship between the parent and baby and the babys ability to grow in a healthy way.

4. Toddlers and Preschool Children (2 to 4 years)

Children at this age often find it hard to say what they are thinking or feeling. Instead, they may show their thoughts and feelings through their behaviour. Children may also act the same as their parents who are in an abusive relationship. This may include hitting others or keeping to themselves too much.

Children may also complain of physical problems (e.g., headaches, stomach pain) or have nightmares. Seeing abuse can also cause behavioural problems such as stuttering, hiding, and yelling or being highly active, demanding, whining or clinging. Feeling sad, anxious or scared can affect how well children eat and sleep, which can affect their emotional and physical growth.

5. School Age Children (5 to 12 years)

Children this age may be violent and have difficulty following rules or making friends. They may feel fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, depression and have low self-esteem or possibly post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may include flashbacks about the violence. Children may have a hard time concentrating and focusing on tasks which may be an indication of an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Children learn to believe that violence is a normal part of relationships and a way to get what you want. To feel like they have some control in their lives, they may become bullies at school. These children may also be the ones who are bullied, because they often dont have many friends.

6. Adolescents (13 to 18 years)

Young people are at risk of dating violence and getting into trouble with the law. They may also do poorly in school, drop out or run away. Young people may be depressed, suicidal, or develop PTSD . To deal with these feelings, they may try to hurt themselves, abuse substances such as drugs or alcohol, develop eating disorders or engage in risky sexual behavior.

Many teens act like parents by caring for the younger siblings and trying to predict or prevent future violence. After seeing abusive relationships throughout childhood, the cycle of abuse may continue as they find themselves in similar abusive relationships.

7. Risks to children

Children who are exposed to domestic violence are at an increased risk of being abused or neglected. In fact, there is a strong connection between domestic violence and child maltreatment. This means that if a parent or caretaker is being abused in the home, it is possible the children are being abused as well. Children who live in a home with domestic violence are also at risk of being injured. They may be injured directly or indirectly, such as objects being thrown or trying to help their abused parent during an act of violence.(3)

8. Impact on children

Most often, children are aware of the abuse in the home and the effects can be traumatic and long-lasting. Children often feel the impact of living with someone who is abusive and controlling. They feel the tension in the home and may feel like they are walking on eggshells. Children may hear the yelling, screaming and threats or see the physical abuse when it occurs and the injuries to the abused parent. It is important for children to understand that the violence in the home is not their fault. Domestic violence is always the fault of the abuser and is a crime.

9. Childhood Trauma

The National Institute of Mental Health defines trauma as the experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful which often results in lasting mental and physical effects. When children witness violence between their adult caregivers or in their communities, or experience abuse or neglect, they start believing that the world is an unpredictable and threatening place. Children living with domestic violence can suffer emotional and psychological trauma from the impact of living in an environment that is dominated by tension and fear. Trauma is not an event itself, but rather a response to a stressful experience in which a persons ability to cope is dramatically undermined.

10. Conclusion

Children exposed to domestic violence require a safe nurturing environment and the space and respect to progress at their own pace. The caretaker should provide reassurance and an increased sense of security by providing explanations and comfort for the things that worry the children, like loud noises. Children should develop and maintain positive contact with significant others such as distant family members.[9] All family members are encouraged to become involved in community organizations designed to assist families in domestic violence situations. (1)

11. Citation

1.Domestic violence effects on childrens available at https://en.m.wikipedia.org (last visited on Dec 6, 2023)

2.Domestic violence effects on childrens available at https://www.gov.mb.cadvsim (last visited on Dec 6, 2023)

3.Domestic violence effects on childrens available at https://www.preventchildabuseillinois.org (last visited on Dec 6, 2023)