Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Children don’t have to see domestic violence to be affected by it. They don’t have to hear it. They don’t have to see bruises or broken doors. Children – even infants- can sense the stressed environment and they are affected.
Each child responds to domestic abuse uniquely. Yet, certain common effects have been identified. Babies may show poor health, be irritable, cry a lot and have sleep problems which get better once removed from the violent situation. Preschoolers might have difficulty sleeping, wet the bed, be fearful of being separated from parent, or be developmentally delayed. Elementary school children exhibit eating disturbances, seductive or manipulative behavior, or fears of abandonment or loss of control. Teens tend to run away, become pregnant, experience suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or engage in drug or alcohol abuse.
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