Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Many people who abuse their partner also abuse their children. Numerous survivors of domestic violence report that their abuser threatened or attacked the children as a way to control the survivor. Children may also become accidental victims of partner abuse when the children attempt to intervene or are caught in the middle.

Many abused partners also abuse their children due to several factors: stress in the home; knowledge of only violence as a means of control, and the acceptance in the family/community of violence to solve problems. Also common is inadvertent abuse, such as neglecting the children or fear of helping their children.

Children who witness abuse within the family have a stronger chance of becoming abusers or victims in adulthood. Children who experience violence at home often turn this violence out onto the community. Over 70% of people convicted of violent crimes grew up in violent homes.

Children growing up in a violent home can be behind developmentally. Many times they do not receive the parental nurturing as well as positive role modeling in healthy relationships. A general feeling of anxiety can contribute to difficulty in paying attention at school as well as forming positive relationships with peers and adults.

The good news is that most children are able to respond positively to professional help. With careful guidance and support children can learn the basis of healthy relationships and how to communicate feelings in a non-violent or non-abusive manner.