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How does Domestic violence effects childhood development?

 

            Domestic Violence is a serious social justice issue. Not only does it effect the partners

involved, but it also effects any  children who may witness such abuse. Children who see,

hear or observe violence behavior in their home may be more impacted than one might think.

These children face a wide range of difficulties, such as depression, anger, poor school

performance and even post-traumatic stress disorder. These negative effects can be long lasting

and diminish their quality of life.

            Unfortunately, according to Domestic Violence Roundtable approximately four million

children are exposed to domestic violence each year here in the united states. Of those reported

cases 95% of them are women victims of their male partners. Witnessing domestic violence can

mean seeing the abuse, hearing the threats or fight from a different room, even observing the

after effects of the abuse such as the blood, bruises or broken items. “children may

be aware of the tension in the home such as their mother’s fearfulness when the abuser’s car

pulls into the driveway.” (Domestic Violence Roundtable. 2002).  It is not uncommon for these

children to never feel safe in their home environment and may even feel powerless and

worthless.

            A child who is exposed to domestic violence can show a wide range of emotions and

behaviors. These children can grow to be fearful and anxious in their surroundings and are

always on guard. They may not be aware of what triggers the abusive behavior therefore they

may not feel safe and become uneasy. It is also not uncommon for children who are in abusive

homes to hide their pain from the outside world, making it difficult for someone on the outside to

know there is a deep issue going on at home. “Children of abuse feel isolated and vulnerable.

They are starved for attention, affection and approval.” (Domestic Violence Roundtable. 2002).

            It is not uncommon to see a child who is exposed to such violence to act out in anger or

fear in school. Many of these children become depressed and carry shame and guilt on their

shoulders. They may no longer be able to focus in school due to a short attention span. They may

also develop a speech delay, and a setback in cognitive skills.

         The effects domestic violence has on young childhood development can be severe and

affect them into adulthood. These children who are exposed to domestic violence can face

emotional, mental and social delays. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway

children may feel socially excluded and” become unable to make friends easily due to social

discomfort or confusion over what is acceptable.” (Child Welfare. 2016) this states children in an

abusive and neglectful environment suffer in all areas of their life.

            Children who grow up in a home watching and observing domestic violence between

their parents may also grow to be in abusive relationships themselves. “Boys who witness their

mothers’ abuse are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys raised in

nonviolent homes. For girls, adolescence may result in the belief that threats and violence are the

norm in relationships.”  (Domestic Violence Roundtable. 2002). Not only will the abuse effect

their relationships, but they may even grow to have a drug and alcohol abuse problem, Post

traumatic stress disorder, and even juvenile delinquencies. “Witnessing domestic violence is the

single best predictor of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality. It is also the number one

reason children run away.”

            It is not unheard of for domestic violence to turn into child abuse which is one of the

many reasons why it is so important to be aware of the signs that a child may be in a toxic home

environment. According to the child welfare information gateway “Many studies have noted that

children from violent homes exhibit signs of more aggressive behavior, such as bullying, and are

up to three times more likely to be involved in fighting. Research has shown that prevention and

early intervention efforts are effective in reducing domestic violence and child abuse behavior.”

(Child Welfare. 2016). Calling the local authorities to report abuse and domestic violence just

might prevent a situation escalating.

            Thankfully all hope is not lost for those children who do experience domestic violence.

According the Psychology and behavioral science collection, it is advised that these children and

their parents receive proper counseling. Child play therapy has been shown to be very effective

as well as parent-child interaction therapy. There are many local domestic violence shelters that

are available for those individuals that do need a place to go and to escape the negative

environment.  On the Child and Family Services website they list several hotlines one could call

if they needed help or resources to get out an abusive home. They even include a way to find a

shelter, contact information for a Domestic Violence Counselor and other available resources.

“Domestic violence is any criminal offense involving violence or physical harm or threat of

violence or physical harm when committed by one cohabitant against another. Domestic violence

is, including domestic violence in the presence of children is against the law and should be

reported.” (DCFS. 2017)

            Domestic violence with a child in the home is setting that child up for a life time of

challenges and negative consequences. Children should not be faced with living in fear each day

and carrying that weight on their shoulders. Children should be out playing with friends

socializing and making fond memories, not hiding in fear from the violence that goes on behind

closed doors. This is an issue that needs to have more attention brought too and more needs to

happen to help these children go on to live happy successful lives.