Domestic Abuse: impact on children

October is National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, a time to be mindful of the far-reaching impact of this type of violence.

Domestic abuse impacts survivors, families and friends of survivors, co-workers, businesses, healthcare providers, hospitals and the entire community. When children are exposed to domestic abuse in the home, it causes stress and anxiety that affects their ability to focus and succeed at school.

Many children exposed to violence in the home are also victims of physical abuse. Children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse themselves are at serious risk of long-term physical and mental health problems.

When domestic abuse happens in the home, it may cause children to feel fearful and anxious. They may always be on guard, wondering when the next violent event will happen. This can cause them to react in different ways, depending on their age.

Children in preschool

Young children who witness intimate partner violence may start doing things they used to do when they were younger, such as bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, increased crying, and whining. They may also develop difficulty falling or staying asleep; show signs of terror, such as stuttering or hiding; and show signs of severe separation anxiety.

School-aged children

Children in this age range may feel guilty about the abuse and blame themselves for it. Domestic violence and abuse hurt children’s self-esteem. They may not participate in school activities or get good grades, have fewer friends than others, and get into trouble more often. They also may have a lot of headaches and stomachaches.

Teens

Teens who witness abuse may act out in negative ways, such as fighting with family members or skipping school. They may also engage in risky behaviors, such as having unprotected sex and using alcohol or drugs. They may have low self-esteem and have trouble making friends. They may start fights or bully others and are more likely to get in trouble with the law. This type of behavior is more common in teen boys who are abused in childhood than in teen girls. Girls are more likely than boys to be withdrawn and to experience depression.

Adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services