How does domestic violence affect children?

Behaviors that do not cause domestic violence | How Children Ask for Help | Cycle Of Violence | Facts on Dating Violence | Domestic Violence Facts | How does domestic violence affect children? | Signs Of A Battering Personality | What is Domestic Violence? | Why Women Stay

 

CHAOS: Children never know what to expect at home. Their parent’s mood can change instantly from loving to enraged. Children tend to get caught in the middle and are hurt or killed- “by accident” merely because they are in the line of fire. When a child is injured the physical scars can readily be seen, but it is the emotional scars, perhaps not so obvious at first glance, that are the most devastating results of having to witness violence against someone you love.

 

FEAR AND TENSION: The daily anger and violence create a living nightmare for the children. They may grow up being afraid of everything and trusting no one.

 

CONFUSION: Children often receive mixed messages. For example- at school, they learn that hitting is wrong. But at home, they learn that hitting is used to “solve” problems.

 

ISOLATION/WITHDRAWN: Often, an abusive parent shuts off the family from the outside world. And the children may withdraw from friends and other adults, too.

 

HOPELESSNESS: The children often blame themselves for the violence. But, they may feel powerless to prevent, stop, or escape from it.

 

Children often develop a LOVE-HATE relationship with their parent(s)- For example, they may feel protective of an abused parent. But, they may also resent him or her for not stopping the abuse. Sometimes, they may feel close to the abuser. Other times, they may hope he or she goes away- or dies. They may feel guilty for not being able to rescue their family- or for loving someone who is abusive.