Impacts of domestic violence on children.
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Many minors subject to domestic violence are victims of domestic abuse, too. Children who experience domestic abuse or who actually are victims of harassment are at high risk of long-term anxiety disorders.
For potential relationships, children who experience abuse between parents can also be at higher risk of becoming abusive. When you’re a parent witnessing violence, learning how to defend your child can be challenging.
Short-term effects of domestic violence or abuse on children
Children in households where one parent is being abused can feel depressed. They will still be on watch, asking when the next violent incident will happen. That, based on their age, will lead them to respond differently:
- Children in Pre-schools– Young children who experience domestic violence abuse can continue to do things that they used to do while they were younger, such as bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, that weeping, and moaning. Children may even have problems falling or sleeping. Children display symptoms, like a cover-up, of fear.
- School-aged children– Children will feel bad for the violence in this age group and blame themselves for it. Domestic violence and bullying do harm the self-esteem of children. Some do not take part in school events or get better marks, have fewer peers than some, and are more likely to get into trouble.
- Teenagers- adolescents with violence may do harm such as fighting with family members or skipping schools.school. They can also engage in unhealthy activities, such as alcohol or drug usage. They may have poor self-esteem and may have difficulties building relationships. They may start arguing or threatening people, so they are more likely to have issues with the legislation.
- Domestic violence or child neglect long-term consequences- In households where domestic abuse has taken place at least once, more than 15 million minors in the US stay. The risk is greater for these children to grow to be adults by abusive relationships or perpetrators of themselves.
Unlike adults, the risk of health issues is higher for children who witness or are the victims of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Emotional health conditions including extreme depression may be included. This may include hypertension, obesity, cardiac disease, low self-esteem, etc.
Can children recover from experiencing domestic violence or abuse?
Every child reacts to violence and stress differently. Many kids are more resilient and others are more sensitive. Whether well a child emerges from violence or trauma depends on many factors, including a supportive social network or positive relationships with trustworthy adults, strong self-esteem, and relationships with friends.
While children are likely to never forget what they saw or witnessed during the violence, as they grow they may develop healthier ways to cope with their emotions and memories. The earlier an infant is helped, the higher the odds of becoming an emotionally and physically stable person would be.
How can I help my kids heal after they see or encounter domestic violence?
- To make them feel comfortable – Children who are abused at home deserve a sense of protection. Ask how ending the violent situation will make your child feel better. Speak about the value of good ties with your kids.
- Talking about healthy relationships- Help them learn from their traumatic past by learning about what positive marriages are and are not. It will allow them to learn what’s safe as they pursue an intimate relationship of their own.
- Talking about borders – Let your child know that no one, especially family members, friends, coaches, or other officials, has the right to threaten or make them look humiliating. Remember, teach your kid that he or she has no right to touch another person’s body, so when someone asks them to stop, they will do so right away.
- Profession help- Cognitive Behavioural therapy (OBT) is a form of speech therapy or counseling that is ideal for children experiencing violence or abuse. CBT is especially successful in children with anxiety or other trauma-related mental health issues. A consultant can work with the infant through CBT to turn negative feelings into more optimistic ones.
Your doctor may recommend a mental health specialist dealing with children who have been subjected to violence or abuse. Some shelters and domestic abuse programs also provide children’s advocacy groups. Such programs will support children by making them know that they are not isolated and helping them to express their interactions in a non – threatening way.
Author BIO
Kara Best is the Legal Practice Director of Best Wilson Buckley Family Law and is a Queensland Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist.