The after effects of domestic violence on children

1. The after effects of domestic violence on children The effects of domestic violence on the young kids resulting from witnessing some domestic violence happening in their homes where one of their parents is harassing the other parent make a horrendous effect on the development and well-being of kids. The kids who witness domestic violence in their home sometimes believe that they must be blamed. They live in constant state of fear and are 15 times more likely to be victims of child abuse, especially at homes. A close observation during the interaction can help the kids from facing such trauma and dysfunctions in the physical, behavioral, emotional, and social aspects of life.

2. Symptoms of child having an issue at home - 1. Physical Symptoms - The young children who witness domestic violence at home can suffer from the immense amount of physical symptoms along with their emotional and behavioral state of distress. The kids may complain of general aches and pain, like headaches and stomach pain. They may have problems like bed- wetting. These problems have been associated with depressive disorders in children. Along with some general complaints, children who witness domestic violence may appear nervous and have short memory spans. Some kids may show symptoms of fatigue and constant tiredness. They may feel sleepy in the school due to lack of sleep at home. Their Maximum time at home spent listening to or witnessing violence within the home. The kids of domestic violence families victims are frequently ill and suffer from poor personal hygiene. Some kids also show the suicidal tendencies and self-abuse. 2. Behavioral Symptoms - Kids exposed to domestic violence are likely to develop behavioral problems like regression, controlling, and imitating aggressive behaviors. Some children may think that violence is an acceptable behavior and become either the victim or the abuser. Some warning symptoms are bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of adults, fake tough behavior, problems in making friends, or isolation from family and friends. Another behavioral response to domestic violence may be that child wants attention and does all activities to earn the attention of parents. The teenager kids are more prone to academic failure, school drop-out, and substance abuse. In some situations, the family members often suppress their child’s irrational behavior as they think that it will bring more embarrassment. 3. Emotional Symptoms - Young kids exposed to domestic violence often have conflicting emotions towards their parents. For example, distrust and lack of affection often come between kids and the abusive parent. The kid feels overprotective towards the victim and feels sympathy for them. Grief, shame, and low self-esteem are some common emotional symptoms to those children exposed to domestic violence experience. Depression is also one of the most probable emotional problems which can come to young kids. The child often feels helpless and powerless. Girls are more vulnerable to the depressive thoughts than boys. Boys are more apt to handle the violent and aggressive situations. Witnessing violence at home

3. can give the child the idea that no one is safe in the world and that they are not worth being kept safe which gives them feelings of low self-worth and depression. Some kids act through anger and are more aggressive than other kids. Even is some situation, when there is no place for anger or aggressive behavior. One of the most severe outcomes of the domestic violence is post-traumatic stress disorder. Some clear symptoms are nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, increased alertness, poor concentration, and other behavior related problem. 4. Social Symptoms - Young kids exposed to domestic violence at an early age do not have the feeling of safety and security that is normally provided to a child by the family. The children feel a disenchanted and aggressive behavior, poor social skills, poor anger management, poor problem-solving skills, and indulgement in bad company and exploitative relationships. Such kids do not have many friends and they even do not talk to their classmates and teachers. Most of the time they remain silent and alone. There is a wide range of reactions which young kids portray when they are exposed to domestic violence in their homes. the statistic shows that a child who witnesses violence between their parents are more likely to carry on violent behaviors in their adult lives. Even when the children do not bear the physical abuse, but the emotional trauma is enough to make a long-lasting impression. 5. Effects on toddler and infants- a. excessive crying and screaming. b. Digestive problems. c. Disrupted sleeping routines. d. frequent illness.

4. e. sadness, anxiety. f. Low weight. g. No appetite. h. Sleeping problems. i. startles easily. Children exposed to domestic violence need a safe and nurturing environment and most importantly respect. The kids should be able to develop and maintain a positive contact with elders, parents and other family members. All family members must encourage the kids to live in a community organizations designed to assist families trapped in domestic violence situations. The Law Offices Of Steven J Pisani, LLC Denver, CO 80202 www.pisanilaw.com (303) 635-6768