How Does Domestic Violence Affect Children

Introduction
This paper will investigate the impact of domestic violence on a child’s emotional and psychological development from a young age. Domestic violence (often called ‘family violence’) can include physical, verbal, sexual or emotional abuse. Domestic violence affects children emotionally by witnessing violence. Evidence suggests that children who witness regular acts of domestic violence have greater emotional and behavioural problems than other children as they grow up (Reference). Some of the immediate effects may include: nightmares, anxiety, withdrawal and bedwetting. Family violence occurs when someone uses behaviour that is violent, threatening, intimidating or controlling, or intended to cause the family or household member to be fearful. Some of these behaviours can include physical, verbal, emotional and sexual or psychological abuse (Reference). Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence grow up in an environment that is unpredictable, filled with tension and anxiety and

Through primary research, which was collected, it will be possible to make a comparison between the communication of the child emotion and cognitive thinking. This will allow for a valid opinion as to whether children act differently if Domestic Violence affects them.
The scope factor to consider include:
• Investigation of contemporary issues related to the safety, health and well being of young children.
• Investigation of use of different primary/secondary sources with application of knowledge.
• Application of literacy/numeracy skills and use of appropriate terminology.
• Reflection of contemporary issues related to child development.
I will be using three focus questions to help assist and guide the study and structure this investigation. These