The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

They may associate love and pain together, because this is witnessed in their home. This could lead to psychological problems and confusion about relationships. Children who witness family violence tend to have behavioral, interpersonal, and emotional problems. Some of the behavioral problems children of family violence suffer from are aggression, withdrawal, and frustration. Children of family violence are often more violent than other children (Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing).

At a younger age children may begin to seek out and harm other children around them due to the buildup of anger and frustration from abuse. They will look at tormenting other children as a way to get attention seeing that they do not receive it at home. These are signs of early stage bullying which puts other children at risk of experiencing child on child abuse. As they age and become teenagers, they begin to find different ways to cope with their abuse. Some may turn to drugs such as alcohol or smoking to escape their issues at home.

The phrase “domestic violence” typically refers to violence between adult intimate partners. It has been estimated that every year there are about 3.3 to 10 million children exposed to domestic violence in the confines of their own home (Moylan, Herrenkohl, Sousa et al. 2009). According to research conducted by John W. Fantuzzo and Wanda K. Mohr(1999): “[e]xposure to domestic violence can include watching or hearing the violent events, direct involvement (for example, trying to intervene or calling the police), or experiencing the aftermath (for example, seeing bruises or observing maternal depression)” (Fantuzzo & Mohr, 22). The effects of exposure can vary from direct effects such as behavioral and developmental issues to interpersonal relationships, all of which lead to detrimental prospects on the child’s development.

Some studies have looked at children’s self-reporting, where children describe feelings of guilt, shame, or worry in some situations, especially when the parental conflicts have to do with the behaviour of the children (Grych, H.J., &Fincham, D.F., &Jouriles, N.E., Renee, M). This is important data because it is the children themselves who are describe how it feels to be exposed to marital conflict. The consequences for children who are exposed to situations of high conflict may not be detected right away. The experiences children go through during childhood build “the brain and brain’s reactivity of the stress system “and the damaging effects of this may not be seen until a lot later in life says Dr. Jean Clinton. Background anger causes distress and anxiety in children.

Both these matters are of significant concern in society today (Harold & Howarth, 2004). Research tells us that children who witness domestic abuse between their parents/guardians or any adult figures in their life are susceptible to the same psychological trauma, in terms of development, as children who receive direct physical abuse and maltreatment from their parents. The majority of this research concerns children who live in an abusive and dangerous (both physical and psychological) environment, i.e. the child’s home (Holden et al., 1998). The research conducted by Harol... ... middle of paper ... ...nd also his/her social skills.

Exposure to domestic violence can impact the behavioral, social-emotional, and cognitive development of children. Children who are exposed to domestic violence tend to exhibit more aggressive behaviors with their peers, show signs of depression, and have a difficult time forming relationships (Brown & Bzostek, 2003). Cognitively, studies have shown that children exposed to domestic violence may have difficulties learning and concentrating in school, have difficulties with conflict resolution skills, and may believe in male privilege, (Brown & Bzostek, 2003). Concentration is difficult for children exposed to domestic violence because of how unsafe they may feel in their surroundings. They may be preoccupied with the violence that is occurring at home or may be fearful of what may come next.

Children who are physically abuse at home may be involved in juvenile delinquent, criminal activities and or drug and alcohol abuse. Because of the 'hate' that children who are abused store in them, can cause them to rebel and become very abusive towards authority, or higher people in society. They may turn to drugs and alcohol because it help to release some the tension that are stored up in them, its like a way out, free of worries or the pain that they feel (Rummell, 1993). According to Currie and Widson, (2010), physically abused children may have low-level jobs and encounter problems in the future like for example, having low income, unable to own a vehicle, house and or a bank account. Few children who are physically abused at home, dropped out of school resulting in low income jobs.

Child abuse undoubtedly affects the children while it is happening. The toll it takes on these children can be seen physically and emotionally through scars, bruises, failing grades, and rebellious attitudes. In many cases these devastating effects do not disappear after the abuse stops or when the child becomes an adult. It follows them for the rest of their life and can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicide itself. Researchers found that abuse and maltreatment during a person’s childhood can affect the way their brain functions.

The developmental process of a child can be negatively affected due to domestic violence, causing changes in their behavior, social behavior, and cognitive skills. The effects of domestic violence can carry on creating a cycle of behavior in the children. Boys and girls who witness domestic violence in their home may repeat what they observed as an adult. Having learned this unhealthy behavior can have an effect on the type of relationships a child would have as an

As a consequence of child abuse, children can have improper brain development, anxiety, impaired social skills, depression, and an increased risk for engaging in risky behaviors (CDC, 2017). Not only does child abuse effect individuals, but it also can affect the family of the abused child. The Oregon Department of Human Services (2009) commented that the structure of a family can be greatly impacted by child abuse. It is not uncommon to see children who have been taken from their families and placed in protective services. If a child is abused by a family member or other adult, the parents of the abused child can feel guilty and become emotionally distressed from not protecting their child (Oregon Department of Human Services, 2009).