Domestic violence affects every member of the family, including the children. Domestic violence creates a home environment where children live in constant fear. Children who witness family violence are affected in ways similar to children who are physically abused. They are often unable to establish nurturing bonds with either parent. Children are at greater risk for abuse and neglect if they live in a violent home. Those who see and hear violence in the home suffer physically, developmentally, psychologically, cognitively, and emotionally.

FACTS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THE EFFECTS ON CHILDREN

At least 3.3 million children in the United States are exposed to domestic violence each year. (Jaffe, Wolfe, Wilson-1990)

Between 1993 and 1998, children under the age of 12 resided in 43% of the households where intimate partner violence occurred (Compared to 27% of households with children under 12). (Rennison & Welchans-2000)

Children who witness violence are at a high risk of experiencing anxiety and depression, and exhibit more aggressive, antisocial, inhibited and fearful behaviors.· (Peled, Jaffe, Edelson-1995)

Emotional Effects Fear/Insecurity Non-responsiveness Inconsolable Low self-esteem Withdrawal Anger Conflicted loyalties Embarrassment Stress Difficulty trusting Guilt Shame Confusion Feeling of responsibility Sadness Powerlessness Depression Suicidal	Behavioral Effects Nervous/Jumpy Cries a lot Poor impulse control Regressive behavior Acting out violently Withdrawn Difficulty in school Caretaker - "parentified" Adult affect Overachiever Running away Drug and alcohol use Truancy Abusive in a dating relationship Suicidal
Physical Effects Eating disturbances Sleeping disturbances Developmental delays Psychosomatic disorders Stress related illness Physical injuries Physical/sexual abuse	Social Effects Difficulty trusting Problems relating to other children Social isolation Blurred social boundaries School problems Embarrassed about family Experience confusion about gender roles
Cognitive Effects Developmental delays Learning delays Experience unclear and inconsistent boundaries Learn to blame others form one?s own actions Learn to equate love with abuse Learn disrespect for mom/ females Learn perpetrating abuse is a way to get what you want Learn unrealistic cause andeffect relationships

Myths and Facts about Domestic Violence, Aggression and Children

Myth -- Children younger than 18 months are too young to be affected by domestic violence.

Fact – Research has shown that age is not a factor in experiencing the negative effects of domestic violence. In fact, research has shown that abuse and violence against the mother during pregnancy can have significant negative impacts on the fetus and after the child is born.

Myth -- Because the violence and abuse never happened in front of the kids, I’m sure they’ll be OK.

Fact – Research shows that children experience the abuse and violence directly and second-hand by hearing it, seeing the aftermath, and feeling the lasting emotional and psychological trauma on the mother and in the household at large. Children can heal from these experiences but they need specific support from caring adults.

Myth -- My partner is a batterer, but he’s also a very good father. In fact, the kids spend a lot of time with him, not so much with me.

Fact – Abuse and violence committed against a mother does not translate into healthy parenting as a father. The negative effects of these behaviors outweigh any other attempts at healthy fatherhood. When a father disrespects, undermines, threatens, or otherwise harms the mother, he does lasting harm to his children’s relationship with him. And when a child spends most of the time with the abuser, it is not necessarily because there is a positive attachment, but rather it could be out of fear and guilt.

Myth -- My child is doing fine; getting straight A’s, helps me around the house all the time, and is never in any trouble. Obviously, there is no ill effect from the abuse against me by her father.

Fact– Children respond to experiences of abuse in many different ways. Their grades can suffer significantly and they can become very despondent and unresponsive. They also can respond by overachieving at school and being extraordinarily helpful and agreeable. Often children will think of school as a safe, positive place and they will "be good" at home to keep the peace there.

Myth -- My sons have always been aggressive! Boys will be boys!

Fact– Aggression cannot be linked to one simple origin, because we do know that many varying factors go into creating aggression in human beings. Aggression can, however, be learned. If cultural, social and other factors contribute heavily to a boy’s normalized experience of violence and aggression, he will, indeed, be one of the boys assumed in this myth. In other words, if the culture boys brought up in is aggressive, teaches aggression, and is steeped in a culture of male violence, then those boys may grow up being aggressive. But if boys are taught, from the earliest age, that violence is not acceptable, that respect, trust, love and empathy are healthy attitudes and behaviors, then boys will, more than likely, grow up to be healthy, respectful, nonviolent men.