The Consequences Of Domestic Violence

Great Essays
Hitting Home Clever title
More than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes every year (“Domestic Violence: Statistics & Facts”). All children, whether they are a young child in preschool or a teenager in high school, face challenges when exposed to domestic violence. Seeing traumatizing events involving violence can affect their ability to do everyday tasks and can alter their success of their future. Children who are exposed to domestic violence are more at risk to be affected physically and emotionally compared to children who do not experience it.
As society has struggled with domestic abuse, it has become more prevalent that this is a large problem with detrimental consequences. In "Child Custody Decisions In Families
…show more content…
It [domestic violence] is a nightmare that children constantly try to escape. Some children eventually find a way out, but others can be consumed by the terror that is their reality. It has been proven that, “Children exposed to domestic violence (CEDV) are at an increased risk for developing depression, anxiety, and often demonstrate more behavioral problems such as aggression toward others, acting out, non-compliance in school, and delinquency” (Nguyen, Edleson, and Kimball 49). When children are witnessing violence frequently they tend to believe that that type of behavior is acceptable. This causes them to display disruptive actions because violent behavior is the only demeanor that has been shown to them and they think that it [violence] is normal. Other kids exhibit signs of anxiety or depression due to the amount of fear that has been instilled inside of them. Kids who experience these symptoms are often worried of when the next violent episode will be. This causes them to become distracted and guarded which draws their attention away from things they need to focus on, like school. In "Countering Domestic Violence” the article stated, “A child may injure themselves, accidentally or deliberately, and this is one of the reasons why a woman would consider revealing abuse, seeking help, and leaving home” (2). Adolescents who become overwhelmed by domestic violence tend to inflict more pain on themselves, with hopes that it will distract them from the existing agony that is being encountered at home. Another reason why a child might harm themselves is because they want to grasp their mother’s attention to show how witnessing abuse is affecting them.When mothers see how the abuse is affecting their child’s mental and physical state it urges them to get out of the dangerous situation that they are

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Every year an estimated 3.3 million to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence in their home (Richards, 2011). Around 900,000 children have been found and classified as…

    • 2093 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    identified 24 studies in their research into children’s maltreatment histories and the effects of domestic violence on an adolescent (2005). The final sample for their mega-analysis study included 1,870 mixed gendered adolescents that ranged in age from 4 to 14 years and which they obtained information about age, gender, behavior problems, and family violence history. It was found that children who observed parental abuse did not differ consistently from children who were physically abused themselves, leading to the idea that viewing violence is similar in its consequences to the child as feeling the actual physical effects of it (Abbott et al. 2005). Additionally, it was found that the negative effects of family violence on internalizing behavior (social withdrawal, anxiousness, fearfulness, etc.) were consistent regardless of age, and the negative effects on externalizing behavior problems (bullying, drug use, vandalism, etc.) were greater for 7- to 14-year-olds (Abbott et al. 2005). It was determined that the most detrimental effects of domestic violence presented itself in adolescences who were both victims and witnesses of the violence and consequently, “are at the highest risk of externalizing and internalizing problems” (Abbott et al. 2005:…

    • 1583 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Decent Essays

    In most cases domestic violence occurs many within our community. As most of us remember, being a teenager is difficult. But picture being a teenager and living in a house with domestic violence can have devastating, life-long effects. Teens facing the unique problem of domestic violence within the household have the thought these days of trying to fit in with their peers while keeping their home life a secret. Such as, having to move into a new environment and having to make new friends, teens have it hard because of what is going on around them. The consequence can be teens that never learn to form trusting, lasting relationships, can most likely be the ones who end up in violent relationships themselves. Not only does it occur in teens,…

    • 183 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Essay On Teen Dating Abuse

    • 1527 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Approximately 1.5 million high school boys and girls in the United States admit to being intentionally hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone they are romantically involved with. Physical abuse is not the only serious problem though, 33% of adolescents in America are victims of sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse (“11 Facts About Teen Dating Violence”). Domestic abuse is a serious problem among adolescents and teens. It can affect a person in severe ways emotionally, physically, socially, and psychologically. Domestic violence is a problem with every age group, but it is prominent in the relationships of adolescents. It has harsh physical and emotional on the victim. The behaviors and habits of the victim may change…

    • 1527 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Domestic Violence Facts

    • 1362 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Nearly 1 and 3 million women are victims of domestic and sexual abuse each year.(NNEDV Factsheet, Chen M.j ,J.Stevens 2013, pg 1). The number for people who are abused by ex partners each year is much larger than the fact before, about 7 million people are abused, harassed or stalked by a former partner each year. The youth is also impacted by domestic violence. one out of every four girls suffer from being victims of domestic violence before the age of eighteen. This stat is slightly less for boys as one of every six boys are impacted before the age of eighteen It doesn 't just impact the people who are victims of it, it impacts their friends and families. 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year. These kids are impacted greatly by it the majority of the kids who are impacted by it are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, join in on things such as sexual teenage prostitution and commit some type of sexual assault crimes. Boys who are exposed to domestic abuse are four times more likely to commit a domestic abuse crime. Domestic violence can impact anyone who 's close to the victim and it can hurt them also, which is why it should be fixed and awareness should be brought up and help should be given.(NNEDV Factsheet, Chen M.j ,J.Stevens 2013, pg…

    • 1362 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Besides having several mental gaps and disorders, they have a higher rate of being in a domestic violent relationship themselves. This is due to the learned helplessness they have endured. While many of these children try to strive to have a better life than one they had, they do not have the necessary resources for that to be possible. This leads to correlation of the once witness to abuse becoming the abuser. Due to only witnessing abuse and the impacts that it has on the child's mind, it diverts the mind to believe that this is the way one treats another person they love. Causing a higher number in domestic violence cases…

    • 1519 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    What happens when a child is exposed to violence in their home? Children need to feel safe in their homes. It should be a place free of violence and parents that love and protect them. Sadly in many homes this is not the case. It is estimated that 3.3 million children witness physical and verbal spousal abuse each year. These assaults include a variety of behaviors from insults and hitting to fatal assaults involving weapons (Osofsky, 2003). Seeing this sort of violence can have a powerful impact of children for the rest of their lives. The sights and sounds will be remembers of what they saw for years to come.…

    • 930 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Domestic Violence Theory

    • 700 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship are the first step to ending it. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior that is only a fraction of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The devastating physical, emotional, and emotional consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. No one should live in fear of the person they love.…

    • 700 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    When an innocent child observes domestic violence they become a prisoner in their own home. They begin to learn the business of abuse; resulting in damaging situations later in life. In order to stop the cycle of abuse our current law should be amended to mandate mental health services for all children who are involved in these disturbances.…

    • 1213 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The most saddening aspect of domestic violence is the impact that it has on children and young adults. When a person is young and innocent to life, it is difficult to comprehend a violent action. According to the testimonies that I have heard, domestic violence can hinder a child’s developmental growth and social interaction skills. Furthermore, domestic violence can affect a youth’s…

    • 609 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Children are one of our most vulnerable populations and providing them safe environments is not always possible. In order to address their wellbeing more efficiently, we should address the effects that traumatic events have on children at early stages of their development. Addressing these traumatic events can help traumatized children in the future and society as well. It is estimated that 15 million U.S children have been exposed to intimate partner violence annually (Chanmagam &Teasley, 2014). Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a new term for what is commonly referred to as domestic violence (DV). “The term ‘affected children’ is used to describe children known to, or expected to, experience…

    • 1041 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    According to Stiles (2002), it is estimated that 3.2 million American children witness incidents of domestic violence annually. Witnessing domestic violence can lead children to build up a variety of age-ward negative impacts. These children are at more serious danger for internal practices, for example, anxiety and misery, as well as for externalized practices, for example, fighting, harassing, lying, or cheating. Disrupted needs for attachment, creating poor sleeping and dietary patterns, and higher danger of physical harm are some of the impacts shown in newborn children who witness violence. Preschool children begin to lack feeling of security. Ordinarily children this age look to their parents for security and assurance, but this is not…

    • 122 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    domestic violence is harrowing on even the strongest of people, although being a child and growing up in such a volatile environment makes it even more traumatizing. No wonder these children are developing psychological problems, writes Teresa Harris.…

    • 1132 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    The children within households where domestic violence takes place face consequences relating to emotional, psychological and physical well-being throughout their life. These consequences affect children in different ways depending on their age and gender at the time of exposure to the violence. While looking at the five levels of the Social Ecological Model - intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, institutional and policy - one is able to put themselves in the mindset of a child who is witnessing domestic violence within their household and to see how the factors around said child are affecting the outcomes of their health. This allows for a deeper analysis of the problem that is occurring. When evaluating the problem within the context of the Social Ecological Model, one is able to see where the problems stem, and therefore create solutions within each level of the model. Domestic violence is real and it is within the United States. Children face consequences as a result of witnessing domestic abuse within their household and action needs to be taken to solve this ever-present…

    • 2485 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Domestic Violence uses to be something that was hidden. It was swept under the rug and never talked about. What happened in one 's home was their business and it stayed that way, until about the mid 90’s. Now there are many laws, programs and domestic violence advocates to help women get away from their abusive partners and potentially save their lives. Unfortunately, the majority of those women have children according to UNICEF in 2006; 133-275 million children worldwide are witnesses to this violent crime a year. In the United states alone 15.5 million children live in homes where domestic violence is prevalent (Murrell, Christoff, and Henning, 2007). We know that domestic violence has a huge impact on a women 's life but little is talked about when it comes to the effects it has on the children that have seen it. What is the impact on…

    • 842 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays