2 Exposure to Domestic Violence

Introduction

In recent years, more awareness has been brought to domestic (DM) violence. DM violence is considered violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the abuse of a spouse or partner (Oxford University Press, 2021). On average, in the United States, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner (North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2017b). Attention is often focused on those who are abused; however, it is time to see how it affects those who also live in the house, kids (Stiles, 2002). Thirty to sixty percent of children are eyewitnesses of the violence, which causes short and long-term behavioral consequences (North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2017a). It is estimated that more than 3 million children between the ages of three and seventeen are exposed to DM violence each year (Hornor, 2005). Using Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a high ACE score including exposure to family violence caused long-term risk for physical and mental illness and substance abuse (Webb, 2013). Therefore, those who live in a household with domestic violence are at risk for health problems throughout their childhood and into adulthood.

Effects of Exposure

Children who observe abusive behaviors from their parents are at a much higher risk of being physically harmed. Even if the child is not experiencing the physical aspect of abuse, exposure to violence puts them at a higher risk of long-term physical and mental health issues (Office in Women’s Health, 2019). Parents may think they can protect their child from abuse (or hide the abuse in the home), but most children know what is going on. DM violence exposure for children can be life-long. A significant problem with home violence is that children are more likely to have abusive behavior in the future (Hornor, 2005). Mental conditions like depression and anxiety are common; diabetes, obesity, and poor self-esteem can all result from this trauma (Office in Women’s Health, 2019).

Short-term Challenges 

Short-term effects vary between different age groups. For example, preschool children are at an increased risk of bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, difficulty staying asleep, and showing signs of terror (Office in Women’s Health, 2019). In comparison, elementary school children are more likely to feel guilty, leading to adverse health and social effects. For example, they are less likely to do school activities, get good grades, have friends, and are more likely to get headaches and stomachaches (Office in Women’s Health, 2019). For teens, seeing this type of abuse can lead to fighting, the use of alcohol and drugs, and lower self-esteem. These short-term effects can vary depending on gender, as males are more likely to take their anger out on others, and females are more likely to be withdrawn (Office in Women’s Health, 2019)

Long-term Challenges 

Long-term exposure can result in lasting effects for children. Elevated stress levels are likely to occur, which negatively impacts cognitive functions (Harrison, 2021). The negative effects of these functions cause the brain to develop abnormally, which is where behavioral problems in adulthood arise. Researchers found that children who witnessed their mother’s abuse were more likely to have higher ACE scores because of the unstable environment (Webb, 2013). Those who witnessed the abuse showed a substantial increase in alcohol use, drug use, and depression during adolescence (Webb, 2013). The fear of being alone, immature behavior, suicidal tendencies, and becoming abusers or abused are increased by more than 15 percent compared to those who are not exposed (Harrison, 2021). Concentration levels on school and schoolwork decrease, which can lower desired academic success (Harrison, 2021). Children who cannot focus or withdraw from school work tend to struggle with learning the content.

How to Help

In many cases where children are in a DM violence household, a social worker will need to be called in. Social workers assess to see if the child is in a safe environment. Using ACEs, social workers evaluate how exposure to violence is linked with physical health, mental health, and substance abuse throughout that child’s life (Webb, 2013). The findings indicate possible treatment and prevention strategies for further exposure to in-home violence that will help social workers in addressing policies and practices (Webb, 2013). When recovering from exposure to violence, it is crucial for a child to have a trusted support system of adults or family and healthy relationships with others (whether friends, teachers, doctors, etc.). This support system helps children learn to deal with their emotions healthily. As the child grows up, more memories are likely to surface about what they witnessed, and being able to handle the memories and emotions is vital during the long recovery.

Resources and treatment options are available to help a child who witnessed this type of violence. Getting the child professional help is usually the first step. When getting the child to talk about what they saw, they can begin to understand their emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best therapy for children who have experienced any traumatic event (Office in Women’s Health, 2019). This will help the child cope in healthy ways that apply to their childhood and adulthood.

Helping the child feel safe is another important step (Office in Women’s Health, 2019). The child’s stress and anxiety when having witnessed a traumatic event cannot be taken lightly as it has damaging impacts on their mental health. The first step is to talk with the child about healthy relationships; this way, they can begin to understand the wrong in what has happened (Office in Women’s Health, 2019). The next step is to find a reliable support system (especially if the child cannot get out of the home with domestic violence). The child needs to be able to go to a trusted teacher, coach, or counselor who can help them get out of the dangerous house and allow the child to talk about their emotions.  These steps can help the child begin to get the help they need.

Resources

There are many organizations available for children who witness DM violence and resources available to help the parent get out of a violent situation.  Here are a few helpful groups to seek assistance from:

• South Carolina Social Services
  • The Department of Social Services provides information for situations involving domestic violence and children in South Carolina. It includes information about finding new housing and who else you can call for help.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline helps parents who are being abused. A child could also use this resource as a way to reach out to talk to a professional who knows how to deal with DM violence. This hotline allows for calls, texts, and chatting that remains confidential. Adults or children can go to the source to help better understand what they can do to get out of a DM violence house.
• Promising Futures
  • Promising Futures informs caregivers on how to care for a child who has witnessed DM violence.
• National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health
  • This center for families assists those who have suffered from or seen in-home abuse. NCDVTMH uses years of research and training to help those recover from DM violence.

References

Harrison O., (2021). The long-term effects of domestic violence on children, 41 Child. Legal RTS. J. 63. https://lawecommons.luc.edu/clrj/vol41/iss1/7

Hornor, G. (2005, July 9). Domestic violence and children. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 19(4). 206-212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2005.02.002

Office in Women’s Health. (2019, April 2). Effects of domestic violence on children. https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/domestic-violence/effects-domestic-violence-children

Oxford University Press. (2021). Art, n.1. OED Online. www.oed.com/viewdictionaryentry/Entry/11125.

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2017a). Children & domestic violence.
https://nccadv.org/domestic-violence-info/children

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2017b). NC statistics on domestic violence. https://nccadv.org/domestic-violence-info/nc-stats

Stiles, M. (2002, December 1). Witnessing domestic violence: The effect on children. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/1201/p2052.html

Webb, R. (2013). Implications for mothers’ & children’s exposure to domestic violence. The National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/assets/secured/documents/practice/children/acestudy.pdf