Effects of domestic violence on children

More than 3.3 million children are exposed to physical and verbal spousal abuse each year. Exposure means seeing or hearing the actual abuse or dealing with the aftermath of the abuse. It is important to note that domestic violence and child abuse are often present in the same families. In fact, studies have shown that in in 60% to 75% of those homes wherein domestic violence occurs, children are physically abused and neglected at a rate 15 times higher than the national average. These children are also at a higher risk for sexual abuse. Of course the effects that the domestic violence has on children varies depending mainly upon a child's intellectual development and interpersonal skills. These children are also either extremely introverted or extremely extroverted. Of course they often have other emotional responses too (i.e. anger, rage, misery, guilt, intense terror, fear of dying, fear of the loss of a parent). Many of these children are forced to grow up faster than their peers, often taking on the responsibility of cooking, cleaning and caring for younger children. They're not allowed to have a real childhood because they're isolated. It is impossible for them to engage in typical activities (ie having friends over to their house) due to the chaotic atmosphere. Yet, their school performance isn't always obviously affected since some children may respond by being overachievers. With all of this in mind, here is what to look for...

Academic problems
Agitation - feeling "jumpy"
Aggression
Behavior problems
Clinginess to caregivers
Depression
Distractibility
Emotional numbing
Feeling scared
Feelings of guilt
Feelings of not belonging
Flashbacks
General emotional distress
Intrusive thoughts
Insomnia
Irritability
Low levels of empathy
Low self-esteem
Nightmares
Obsessive behaviors
Phobias
Poor problem-solving skills
PTSD
Revenge seeking
Social problems
Suicidal behaviors
Truancy
Withdrawal from activities
Alcohol abuse
Violence
Criminal behavior
Sexual problems
Substance abuse


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