Children & Domestic Violence

Children are affected by Domestic Violence.

Research has strongly indicated if children are present in a household where violence occurs they hear, see and experience the trauma of living in a violent household, whether they are seen by the victim or perpetrator or not. As a result of witnessing domestic violence children are traumatized well into their adult lives, which consequently may affect their adult relationships.

Children living with domestic violence may suffer from an array of behavioural, emotional and cognitive problems. For example:

• Children may feel shame and fear
• Children may feel responsible for the violence or feel that it is their fault
• Children may experience an inability to learn at school
• Low self-esteem  
• Poor conflict resolution skills
• Feelings of anger, fear, guilt and confusion
• Stress-related physical ailments
• Increased depression
• Lack of sleep and restlessness
• Running away from home
• display aggressive behaviour and language
• withdrawn behaviour

Children and young people who experience Domestic Violence are at increased risk of being abused themselves.

Children in violent households are forced to assume responsibility beyond their years.

All children have the right to be safe and protected from domestic violence.

Other information that is useful:

Queensland  Centre for Domestic Violence and Family Research (CDFVR):

Fact Sheet Series, Children and Domestic and Family Violence.

Nurturing/Abuse Wheel