Exposure to domestic violence can have a profound impact on the lives of children. Research has shown that experiencing domestic violence is one of many adverse childhood experiences (ACE) directly associated with negative outcomes, such as homelessness, unemployment, poverty, chronic physical and mental health problems, and future domestic violence. Approximately 1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence each year1 and in 2014, at least 4,228 North Dakota children were directly impacted by domestic violence in their homes2. Children who witness domestic violence are also at greater risk of becoming victims themselves. The chance the abuser hurting his or her partner and the children at the same time could be as high as 30% to 60%.
Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to:
Have serious emotional and behavioral problems
Experience developmental delays
Use and abuse drugs and alcohol
Have difficulty regulating temperament
Have low self-esteem
Develop problems with anxiety or depression
Attempt suicide
Struggle academically
Commit crimes, especially sexual assault
Use violence in response to perceived threats
Become abusers in their own relationships
Experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
Every child responds to exposure to domestic violence differently. When signs are present, they can come in a variety of forms – some more subtle, others more pronounced. Here are some possible signs and symptoms you might see or hear about from a parent or child3 :
Behavioral
Trouble eating and/or sleeping
Irritability, acting out, or frequent outbursts
Aggressive behavior
Substance use
Early sexual activity
Self-harm
Suicidal ideation or attempts
Frequent tardiness and/or absences from school, activities, or work
Frequent bed-wetting
Bullying behaviors
Victim or perpetrator of dating violence
Criminal behavior
Social:
Difficulty concentrating
Low or delayed verbal skills
Lack of trust toward others
Academic problems
Short attention span
Distracted or inattentive
Frequent bad dreams
Lack of interest in hobbies or activities
Attitude supportive of violence
Social:
Startling easily and frequently
Isolation from others
Difficulty forming and maintaining peer relationships
Emotional/Psychological:
Fear, anxiety, sadness, or worry
Feelings of anger or rage
Emotionally withdrawn or detached
Frequent physical or health complaints
Inappropriate emotional responses
Low self-esteem
Self-blame or shame
While you may not directly serve victims in the aftermath of domestic violence, you can still play a critical role in assisting victims and their children through support or referral. Here are a few things to consider:
Develop protocols in your workplace to ensure consistent practices for providing care to clients or patients who experience domestic violence.
Be victim-centered and use trauma-informed care when working with victims and their children. Avoid victim-blaming statements and listen attentively.
Commit to routine screenings for both domestic violence and children’s exposure to domestic violence in your workplace.
Be familiar with resources in your area (healthcare, financial support, legal services, shelter, etc.) to make appropriate referrals to victims and their children. For information about shelters and advocacy services near you, visit: https://www.domesticshelters.org.
Share information about domestic violence, its effects on children, and local resources in your place of work (waiting area, break room, restrooms, and newsletters).
Be an active bystander and intervene when you witness inappropriate behavior. For your own safety, be cautious to intervene if you see physical violence. Instead, call 9-1-1.
Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence
Exposure to domestic violence can have a profound impact on the lives of children. Research has shown that experiencing domestic violence is one of many adverse childhood experiences (ACE) directly associated with negative outcomes, such as homelessness, unemployment, poverty, chronic physical and mental health problems, and future domestic violence. Approximately 1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence each year1 and in 2014, at least 4,228 North Dakota children were directly impacted by domestic violence in their homes2. Children who witness domestic violence are also at greater risk of becoming victims themselves. The chance the abuser hurting his or her partner and the children at the same time could be as high as 30% to 60%.
Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to:
Every child responds to exposure to domestic violence differently. When signs are present, they can come in a variety of forms – some more subtle, others more pronounced. Here are some possible signs and symptoms you might see or hear about from a parent or child3 :
Behavioral
Social:
Social:
Emotional/Psychological:
While you may not directly serve victims in the aftermath of domestic violence, you can still play a critical role in assisting victims and their children through support or referral. Here are a few things to consider: