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

dominated by fear. This can lead to significant emotion and psychological trauma, similar to that experience by children who are victims of child abuse. Instead of growing up in an emotionally and physically safe, secure, nurturing and predictable environment, these children are forced to worry about the future (Reference). In addition they try to predict when it might happen next and try to protect themselves and their siblings. Often getting through each day is the main objective so there is little time left for fun, relaxation or planning for the future the emotional and psychological impact of domestic violence on child development.

Scope of the Study
When first beginning research on the topic of domestic violence, many different areas were considered but it was decided that the focus would be made on children exposed to domestic violence.

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

are:
1. How does exposure to domestic violence affect the cognitive development of a child’s brain?
2. How does experiencing domestic violence affect a child’s emotional development?
3. What behavioural and social development changes occur when children see Domestic Violence?

Methodology
Throughout the investigation on children being exposed to domestic violence, both primary and secondary sources were used. Surveys were conducted with health professionals. These will make up the majority of the primary sources to understand whether people in the source of expert opinion think domestic violence affects children. For this investigation secondary sources include:
• Internet
• Books
• News Articles