Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Domestic violence affects the entire family, including children. In fact, children who witness domestic violence experience similar developmental outcomes as those who are themselves physically abused.

Society has begun to recognize the damage inflicted on children who witness domestic violence. A strong correlation has been shown between witnessing violence in the home and future developmental struggles. Those who witness or even hear violence in their home are likely to suffer both physically and emotionally.

Children in the home are aware of domestic violence, whether they themselves are experiencing it, or are witnessing it, hearing it, or seeing marks or bruises on a parent afterwards. Domestic violence creates a home environment in which children live in fear. Some children will become quite good at anticipating impending violent outbursts, and might figure out how to hide themselves or shield younger siblings. Regardless of whatever coping mechanisms they might develop, the result for these children is feelings of betrayal, anger, shame, powerlessness, confusion, and even guilt.

In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are at high risk of being physically abused themselves. Studies have shown that child abuse occurs in 30 to 60 percent of domestic violence cases that involve families with children. Also, a child may be hurt unintentionally when caught between abuser and victim, or by trying to protect the victim. They can be injured in the arms of the victim who is trying to shield them from the violence.

In the event that one parent is removed from the home by police as a result of domestic violence, children might feel afraid, or angry about losing someone they love. Children often feel guilty for the violence, as if their behavior could have caused it, and they worry that others might find out about it.

Children's behavior might not appear to change during the time that domestic violence is occurring in the home. Domestic abuse victims often recognize changes in their child's behavior only after the violence has ended, and may be confused or surprised by how drastic their child's behavior changes can be.

Boys and girls internalize and externalize their experiences with domestic violence differently. Boys tend toward externalized behaviors such as aggression; girls are more likely to internalize the violence and exhibit depression or self-harming behaviors. Research has demonstrated the likelihood that violent behavior can be repeated as a result of witnessing domestic violence early and often while a child is growing up. Conversely, some children may develop a propensity for victimization.

The cumulative effect of witnessing violence does not end when the violence ends, or as a result of reaching adulthood. It affects many aspects of a child's transformation to adulthood, as well as his or her adult life, emotionally as well as physically. Headaches, chronic pain and a host of conditions that are difficult to diagnose can be a result of the anxiety and stress of growing up in a household with domestic violence. It is likely to also affect a person's ability to engage and sustain healthy adult relationships. Domestic violence makes a life long impact on those who experience it, as victims and witnesses.