Children & Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects every member of the family, including the children. Children who live in homes with an abuser are at risk because they may witness a parent being abused and may be abused themselves.
• A survey of 6,000 American families found that 50 percent of men who assault their wives, also abuse their children.
• In families where the mother is assaulted by the father, daughters are at risk of sexual abuse 6.51 times greater than girls in non-abusive families
• Male children who witness the abuse of mothers by fathers are more likely to become men who batter in adulthood than those male children from homes free of violence
The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Children may have emotional, physical, behavioral, and social reactions to living in an abusive home.
Some potential effects:
Emotional
• Grief for family and personal losses.
• Shame, guilt, and self blame.
• Confusion about conflicting feelings toward parents.
• Fear of abandonment, or expressing emotions, the unknown or personal injury.
• Anger.
• Depression and feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.
• Embarrassment.
Physical
• Somatic complaints, headaches and stomachaches.
• Nervous, anxious, short attention span.
• Tired and lethargic.
• Frequently ill.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Regression in development.
• High risk play.
• Self abuse
Behavioral
• Acting out or withdrawing.
• Aggressive or passive.
• Refusing to go to school.
• Care taking; acting as a parent substitute.
• Lying to avoid confrontation.
• Rigid defenses.
• Excessive attention seeking.
• Bedwetting and nightmares.
• Out of control behavior.
• Reduced intellectual competency.
• Manipulation, dependency, mood swings.
Social
• Somatic complaints, headaches and stomachaches.
• Nervous, anxious, short attention span.
• Tired and lethargic.
• Frequently ill.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Regression in development.
• High risk play.
• Self abuse
What to do if you suspect Abuse
Keeping young people safe is everyone’s responsibility. Together we can help a child who may live in an abusive home. Do not feel that you are imposing on another family’s life. You may be the only one to help this child.
Signs of Abuse may include:
• A child or family member tells you they’re being abused (this is called disclosure).
• Physical signs, like bruising.
• Behavioural signs, like becoming aggressive or withdrawn.
• Developmental signs, like a child not progressing.
• Family signs, like domestic violence.
If you suspect abuse, call the police or DSS or consult the staff of the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons. If a child decides to tell you about their abuse or the abuse in their home, don’t panic. Just listen. Write things down if necessary, but do not interview them. Remind the child that he/she is doing the right thing. Let the child know you will try to get help. If you are having a hard time getting a response from the police or DSS, please call The Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons.
Welcome
We are here to help abused women, their children, teens and men break the cycle of violence in their lives by offering safe, confidential shelter and services.
Contact
If you need assistance or would like to donate, please contact us by telephone or use the PayPal link below:
The Cumbee Center
(803) 649-0480