Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Much has been written about the impact of abuse on women. However, in the past few years there has been a great deal of research that shows that witnessing violence in the home has a tremendous impact on children. Sadly, many women believe that they have protected their children from abuse but the children who come to the shelter are well aware of what has happened to their mother and greatly frightened by their lack of control of the over their situation.

The impact of witnessing abuse lasts a lifetime. Children who witness abuse often go on to become abusive themselves or enter into abusive relationships. Half of the men who beat their wives were abused as children or witnessed domestic violence. One-third of battered women either watched their mothers being battered or were abused as children.

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 at home?

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.