Affects on Children

Affects of Domestic Violence on Children

Domestic Violence affects not only the direct victim of the violence, but the children who witness such violence. These children are victims too. Witnessing domestic violence can have lasting affects on children such as:

• Child abuse
• Insecurity, helplessness, terror
• Negative effect on school performance and social skills with other children
• Self-endangering behavior
• Trained in violent behavior, for instance:
  • Thinking that violence is part of a “loving” relationship;
  • That violence can be used to control others;
  • Failing to learn nonviolent alternatives to cope with stress