The
Impact of Domestic Violence on Child Development
Every year it there is an estimated 3.3 to 10
million children being exposed to domestic violence in their homes. The effects
of domestic violence can lead to behavioral problems, developmental issues or
even relationships. Children exposed to domestic violence have been found to be
four times more likely to develop internalizing or externalizing behavior
problems than children who are not exposed to violence. I remember a close
friend of mine was shot and killed by her fiancé who then took his own life
with the two children in the house. The children were emotionally damaged for a
few years because they could not get the brutal image of their mother and
father lying dead in their home from the minds. At the funeral I could hear one
them crying and asking “why did daddy do that to mommy?” I heart want almost
burst as I cried heavily, not only for the loss of a friend but for the
children who had to endure this pain. It is always sad to see a child lose
their parents but when it is a situation where one parent kills another it is
ten times worse.
Domestic violence is a global problem of enormous
proportions. The first study was done to estimate the numbers of children who
are exposed to domestic violence globally. The data is from the United Nations Secretary-General’s
Study on Violence Against Children (forthcoming, 2006), which reviewed existing
studies that measure violence in the home in various countries.
Domestic violence can happen anywhere but certain
factors seem to increase. One study in Canada found that women who lived with
heavy drinkers were five times more likely to be assaulted by their partners
than those who lived with non-drinkers.
The single best predictor of children becoming
either perpetrators or victims of domestic violence later in life is whether or
not they grow up in a home where there is domestic violence. Studies from different
countries show of abuse are higher among women whose husbands were abused as
children or who saw their mothers being abused. The cycle must stop.
Thank you for sharing this information on domestic violence. As a child I witnessed domestic violence and i know first hand what it can do to a child mentally/ emotionally. No child should have to endure such violent acts but unfortunately we know this is not the case. I empathize for your friends children I pray that God will always comfort them in their time of need and provide for them always! Again Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe statistics you shared are astonishing. I agree with you in needing to stop the cycle. As educators we can provide assistance to children and their families. As a parent I will stress that no one deserves abuse, regardless of the type of abuse, when she gets older.
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteDomestic violence is a sad, yet very relevant issue within our families today. The actual statistics are alarming. As a teacher in classroom, you are able to see the effects of this issue up close and personal as you attempt to redirect angry within young children that stems from abuse and violence in the home. It's amazing how children as young a 3 can curse like sailors and know what they are saying and don't care.
We all know that this is a cycle that must be stopped, but the question is how.
Tabitha