.Domestic Violence is one of the leading causes of physical abuse and over one million incidences happen yearly within the United States alone. Between three to ten million children witness this(http://www.childrensdefense.org/ohio)
Many children exude behaviors that are the product of being physically around a violent environment. Domestic violence has many negative effects when it comes to their mental health as well as their well being.
Children who live in violent or abusive homes may experience:
Chaos- Children may never know what to expect at home. The abuser's mood can change instantly from loving to enraged. Fear and Tension - Daily anger and violence can create emotional and physical trauma for children. They may grow up being afraid of everything -- and trusting no one. Danger - Children may be the intended victim of an abuser or they can get caught in the middle and be hurt - or killed - by accident. Confusion- Children in violent households often receive mixed messages. For example, Isolation - The abuser often shuts off the family from the outside world. The resulting isolation may cause children to withdraw from their peers and other adults. Hopelessness - Children often blame themselves for the violence but feel powerless to prevent or escape from it. |
Behaviors children in crisis may exhibit:
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