Adults are not the only victims of domestic violence. When there are children present to witness, by seeing or hearing the actual violence or its consequences, they suffer too; they too are victims of the abuse.
The effects of this family violence are both short and long term. A child who witnesses one parent battering or verbally abusing the other parent will often feel out of control in their daily lives. They may also display physical symptoms such as bed wetting, headaches, stomach aches, eating disorders, self-mutilation, and even suicidal thoughts. They suffer low self-esteem, the inability to trust anyone, relationship problems, sleep problems, anger and aggression, and they may also become violent themselves. They will almost always suffer from self-blame and survivor’s guilt. There are many other short and long term effects, these are just a few.
Studies estimate that nearly 10 MILLION children witness domestic violence in their homes annually. What happens to these children?
–Boys who witnessed their father’s violence against their mothers are 10 times more likely to become violent against their partners in later life than those boys who didn’t have domestic violence modeled in their home (1993 Family Violence Interventions For the Justice System).
–Daughters of battered women are 15 times more likely to be battered themselves in later years (1990 statistics).
–Witnessing violent behavior between their parents is the highest risk factor for passing on violent behavior from one generation to the next.
Clearly, domestic violence in the home claims many victims, not just the two adults involved, the Abuser and the Abused. Children’s lives are forever scarred when they are witnesses to domestic violence. They become the abused and the abusers in later life. Then they pass it on to their own children. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
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I knew the numbers were high, but that’s too high and way too many people effected. Of course the abuse trauma trickles down through the extended family and friends of the abused person as well and isn’t confined to the witnesses. Domestic abuse affects a LOT of people, that’s for sure.
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You’re very right. And the effects are long lasting. I wish I had fresher statistics but, sadly, it doesn’t seem to be a priority with the powers that be. Statistics are 25 or so years old.
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Wow, Corina.. those statics are just heartbreaking.. probably higher now too. It’s sad that this is a repeated cycle because people do not get help.
Many Blessings,
Lori
My A2Zs @ As the Fates Would Have It & Promptly Written
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Quite the series you’ve got going here… Important issues brought to light.
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Thank you, Dale. It is important. I hope a lot of people find their way here sooner or later.
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