Effects of Domestic Abuse on Children

Suffice it to say, when there is domestic violence in the home, children are impacted in many ways.  Think about what it would be like to want to have a friend over after school to play but you don’t ask in fear of what might happen.  Think about what it would be like to have to keep the “secret” because if you don’t something bad might happen to you or your pet.  Think about what it would be like to see your mom hurt by your dad.  Think about what it would be like to have to see the police come to your home and possibly take your dad away.  Think about what it would be like to have to run from your home at night to go to a shelter with a lot of other people and have to change schools and leave your friends.  Think about what it would be like to see your mom hurt and bleeding.  This has happened to countless children where there is abuse in the home.  Some children have even been killed and we will never know the terror they experienced at the hands of someone who should have only cared, loved and nurtured them – not used them as a way of getting back or permanently scarring their mother.

Think of all the children who experienced this violence and are now in their teen years.  Many are using alcohol and drugs, having trouble in school because they can’t concentrate, getting into trouble with the law, dealing with mental health issues, have low self-esteem, don’t have many friends, don’t feel safe and have to help out at home in a “caretaker” role.  Some may even act out in an aggressive manner as they have seen at home, especially to get what they want.

Yes, children are impacted, but it is also important to remember that they are very resilient.  Early intervention is the key to lessening this impact and it is all of our responsibility to ensure this happens.  Prevention and awareness programs in the schools play an important part in breaking the cycle of violence and identifying resources that are available for those who are listening and know that this is going on in their family.

Listening carefully and knowing what to do if a child does disclose to you that his mother is being hurt or he/she has been hurt.  Recognizing the signs that can indicate that this child could have witnessed abuse in the home.  Knowing your responsibilities to contact Family and Children’s Services if you suspect that a child is being harmed in any way both as a professional and as a community member.  People in general need to recognize how harmful domestic violence is to children.  This can help the victims of violence to realize that it shouldn’t be happening to them and that they can ask for help.

Family & Children’s Services of Guelph & Wellington County
519-824-2410 or 1-800-265-8300