Family violence statistics indicate that
intimate partners are not the only individuals who need to worry about being
subjected to domestic violence or abuse. Every year, millions of children
witness domestic violence, and children are often subjected to abuse
themselves. Witnessing domestic violence may have extremely negative
consequences on a child’s psychological and emotional development. Statistics
indicate that children who witness domestic violence, and children who are
subjected to child abuse may suffer from severe depression, post traumatic
stress disorder, and behavior problems. Family violence statistics indicate
that children who are subjected to domestic violence may display symptoms such
as nightmares, chronic bed wetting, and trouble concentrating.
They may suffer
from severe anxiety and panic
attacks
children who have suffered from child abuse are more likely to subject their
partner or children to abuse in the future. When a child is witnessing domestic
violence they are suffering from a type of psychological abuse. Living in an
environment in which psychological abuse, physical violence, sexual assault,
and economic abuse are taking place is very stressful for a child. They are
constantly afraid for their own safety and for the safety of their loved one
that is being subjected to abuse. This continuous anxiety is extremely
detrimental to a child’s development.
Family violence statistics indicate that children are subjected to violence and
abuse much more frequently then most people believe. Children are usually in
their home when they are subjected to domestic violence, and children are often
abused by a parent or a family member. Like adults, children can be the victims
of physical abuse, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse.
children to get caught in the middle of violent episodes and sustain extensive
physical injuries as a result. In other instances, children are targeted as
victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Family violence statistics
indicate that hundreds of thousands of children are subjected to abuse and
neglect every year. Thousands of children are killed due to the injuries that
they sustain. Individuals who survive child abuse are likely to experience
attachment disorders and problems trusting people. They may experience
difficulty establishing intimate relationships in the future.
also found that children who have been subjected to domestic violence are more
likely to end up in prison as punishment for committing a violent crime.
Children who have been subjected to, or who have witnessed domestic violence
are also more likely to develop a substance abuse problem. Often, these individuals
resort to drugs and alcohol to ease the psychological pain that they are
experiencing. Exposing a child to domestic violence is extremely detrimental to
the child’s physical, psychological, mental, and emotional health.
