My Sister's Place

Are children aware of what is going on?

Yes. Although they will not have an adult understanding of what is happening, they will recognize and be affected by domestic violence. A child's response to the violence will vary depending on his or her age. Even very young children will experience anxiety over conflicts at home.

What are the emotional consequences for children who witness violence in their homes?

Constant anxiety that can result in physical complaints caused by stress (i.e. headaches, ulcers, rashes), speech problems or hearing problems.
Developmental delays and learning disorders
Guilt for not being able to stop the abuse or for loving the abuser
Taking responsibility for the abuse and feeling helpless to change the situation
Low self-esteem, fearfulness, depression and sometimes suicide
Delinquent behaviors including aggression, substance abuse and running away from home
Poorly developed social skills
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Are children who witness domestic violence at risk for other problems?

Children may sustain physical injuries or die as a result of either intentional harm to the child (i.e., when a child is protecting the parent) or accidental injury.
Older children may be at risk for committing criminal acts, including murder, to end the violence.
Children may also be victims of physical abuse or neglect by either parent/partner.
More than 50% of both male abusers and abused women who are mothers abuse their children.
Boys who witness domestic violence are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys raised in non-violent homes.
There is no evidence, however, that girls who witness their mothers' abuse have a higher risk of being battered as adults.

Are children aware of what is going on?

What are the emotional consequences for children who witness violence in their homes?

Are children who witness domestic violence at risk for other problems?

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