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How Domestic Violence Affects Children
Violence in families affects
children today-and tomorrow.
Millions of children are exposed to family violence every year. As a
result of this exposure, they suffer at home, at school and in their
relationships. Problems with self-esteem and possible future abuse can
stem from family violence exposure. Other problems that may occur are
depression, aggression, and difficulty making friends. Family violence
can take place in families of every socio-economic status, every
ethnicity, and national origin.
Family violence is also called domestic
violence and may include:
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Physical abuse
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Control of money
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Emotional abuse
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Sexual abuse
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Verbal abuse
Family
violence and child abuse are linked because both often occur
in the same families. It has been found that over 50 percent
of families that have family violence, also suffer child
abuse; parents who are victims are more likely to abuse their
children; and family violence increases the chance for a child
to be hurt or killed.
Family
violence is also child abuse.
How does
family violence affect children?
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Children may suffer
depression, fear, and anxiety.
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Children may be socially
isolated, aggressive, and have difficulty making friends.
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Children may have school
problems, health issues, sleep problems, violence and
delinquency problems.
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Children can get caught in
the crossfire of family violence. They may:
Get hurt during family
violence.
Have their needs
forgotten or be threatened.
Depending on
their age, children may be affected differently. Younger
children may have sleep problems, wetting issues, or withdraw.
As the age increases, children may be distrustful and fearful,
while adolescents may run away, become aggressive or abuse
alcohol and other drugs.
Characteristics that may make a family
more at risk of family violence and child abuse:
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Financial struggles.
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Parents grew up in a violent
home.
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Home is in a community where
violence rates are high.
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One or more adults abuse
alcohol or drugs.
If abuse is
not stopped, it will become more severe and frequent.
How can
children stay safe? Teach them to:
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Keep away from the fighting.
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Get out of the home safely
or go to a neighbor's home or other safe place.
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Know trusted adults to talk
to.
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Know their name, address and
phone number.
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Call 911.
Parents
-help children
emotionally by letting them know:
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Family violence is never
their fault.
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Violence by one parent
against another parent is never OK.
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They can share their anger,
fear, or other feelings rather than hiding their feelings.
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Their job is to stay safe
and not to try to shield or protect a parent.
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It's alright to love both
parents.
How can
your community help?
Providing
public education for families to learn about community
resources and other forms of help is an excellent method.
Public awareness can give victims the courage to take action
and get help.
Support
school-based programs, so that children understand family
violence and safety skills, is another way communities can
help. Teachers may become trained in recognizing signs of
family violence and offer referrals for help. Professionals
and community members may also benefit from training and other
educational programs.
Building
community support for early childhood education and child care
helps to cultivate children and prevent family violence. By
the same token, building partnerships with child and family
services with health-care providers and others assists in
providing direct services to families.
Lastly,
supporting legal changes and enforcement plays a huge role in
protecting children. By working with caring professionals, the
legal community can help families overcome violence.
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