Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

By: Terri PopePSY492 XD

April 19, 2011

INTRODUCTION

Domestic violence is a problem with many factors and the children are also the ones who are affected. Children do not need to be physically or verbally abused to be hurt by domestic violence. There is no one specific cause and not a single answer to this problem.

We need to find a possible resolution to ending the cycle of domestic violence; but, unfortunately this one evaluation will not be the cure to what is a national heartbreak.

Problems for ChildrenExposed to Domestic Violence

• Occurrence of witnessing or experiencing violence in the home differs greatly from one child to another.

• An assessment done indicates that anywhere between 3.3 million to 10 million children are witness to domestic violence annually (Sound Vision, 2009).

• The children are forced to grow up sooner than their peers.

• Take on the duties of cooking, cleaning, and caring for their brothers and sisters (Jafee, Sudermann, Geffner, 2000).

• These children are not permitted to have a real childhood.

Psychological Effects • Children that are witnesses to domestic violence can

be damaged psychologically and dramatically (Science Daily, 2010).

• The average, child that witnesses abuse are more violent, fearful, experience worry, depression, and other disturbing symptoms(Science Daily, 2010).

• These same children are at great risk of using alcohol or drugs; as well as having trouble in school.

Emotional and Behavior Issues Connected to Domestic Violence

• Children of domestic violence are either exceedingly introverted or exceptionally extroverted (Science Daily, 2010).

• These children will have psychosomatic problems, developing behavior problems that include aggression and violent occurrences.

• The children may feel anger, guilt, and even a sense of responsibility for the violence, which can smother emotional and social development (Science Daily, 2010).

Domestic Violence into Adulthood• The children that are exposed to domestic violence can

have academic problems, depression, the feeling of not belonging anywhere; low self-esteem, and obsessive behaviors (Science Daily, 2010).

• Even though the effects of seeing domestic violence seem to fade away with time, it can carry over into adulthood.

• The symptoms can be alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and violent practices in the home.

Young Boys Becoming Adult Abusers

• Research reveals that boys who witness domestic violence are more likely to be batters as adults (Science Daily, 2007).

• The boys who watch their fathers abuse the mother are twice as likely to their partner and children.

• Thirty to 60% of abusers of domestic violence also abuse children (Sound Vision, 2009).

Consequences of Domestic Violence

• When there is exposure to violence there are emotional consequences for the children.

• The child learns violence is an effective tool and a normal way to interact with others.

• The child will play aggressively, act tough, and even cause fights.

Academic Issues

• School problems can include difficulty learning, concentrating, and remembering information they have been taught (Jaffe, Suderman, Geffner, 2000).

• No matter if violence is in the home or in the community, attitudes can demoralize a child’s adjustment to school and academic success.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone• Cortisol: A stress hormone which helps our bodies to

control stress. Cortisol has an effect on every system in the body. This means that sufficient levels must be sustained.

• Stress such as domestic violence changes how the hormone is produced.

• Children that have witnessed or been abused early their cortisol level is affected (Science Daily, 2010).

• The child that experiences any kind of abuse will suffer stress (Science Daily, 2010).

Early Childhood Effects of Domestic Violence

• The child that was neglected later in life or those that had no ill-treatment did not have the high degree of depression compared to the child that was abused in the beginning to age five (Science Daily, 2010).

• This finding tells us that early abuse is damaging to the growth of emotion and stress structure; and this occurs as the brain is quickly maturing and depending on the parent for protection (Bailey, 2008).

• Because children are not able to distinguish when an abusive attack will happen, the child becomes persistently stressed even when abuse is not taking place.

Dealing With Domestic Violence• Many times the child of domestic violence will become

isolated and not have friends over due to their home life.

• These same children may be seen as overachievers.

• While some children isolate themselves from others there are other children who are the exact opposite; being extremely loud and overenthusiastic.

Overview Effects of Childhood Domestic Violence

• It is common for a child to have mental or emotional problems associated with eating and sleeping patterns that are upset.

• These same children may develop problems in behavior, aggression, plus violent explosions (Newton, 2001).

• The children who experience domestic violence it leaves them feeling shocked and with low self-esteem.

Effects of Low Income Lead to Domestic Violence

• The problems with many of the studies that have been done are from families of low-income.

• Domestic violence will affect individuals no matter what the income is (Sound Vision, 2009).

• Poverty is a stressor and this is likely to affect parents which have no idea how to handle stress; and this is how the violence starts (Newton, 2001).

• Individuals that have a lower income (below $25K) is three times higher than individuals with a higher income (over $50K) (Sound Vision, 2009).

Conclusion• “Do children really heal from domestic violence?” • The bruises may go away but the scars of fear,

anger, and low self-esteem remain. The children that suffer from domestic violence have lifelong scars; while the feeling of embarrassment and frustration remain (Wiley-Blackwell, 2009).

• We need to understand what the children are feeling and not overlook the support they really do need.

• We need to be aware that although these children receive counseling, is that really enough?

References

• Bailey, Susan (2008). The Psychiatrist. The effects of domestic violence and sexual abuse on mental health. Retrieved March 5, 2011 from The Royal College of Psychiatrists 32:448-450.

• Jaffe, Peter G., Sudermann, Marlies, Geffner, Robert (2000). Emerging Issues for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence. Published in: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, Volume 3, Issue 1April 2000, pages 1 – 7.

References (cont.)

• Newton, C. J., MA (2001). “Domestic Violence: An Overview.” Retrieved March 5, 2011 from Mental Health Journal in February 2001.

• Society for Research in Child Development (2010, February 7). Early abuse tied to more Depression in children. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 5, 2011 from

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100205081811.htm

References (cont.)

• Sound Vision.com (2009). Statistics on Domestic Violence in the United States. Retrieved April 17, 2011 from http://www.soundvision.com/Info/domesticviolence

• University of Washington (2007, June 26). Teenage Violence Linked To Later Domestic Violence. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 5,

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/ 06/070625111433.htm

Reflection of my Education Experience• The many achievements in my life, the path to the completion of my

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology has had many directions. The route I adhered to was twisting and turning not the usual direct route. But, these routes have improved myself and added to my personal development. Setting goals has always been a part of my private and professional life and achieving my degree was one thing that I desired to work for. I had six small children and worked full time inspired me to obtain an online degree program. Online learning was new to me, and the program I choose had what I was looking for. My belief has always been, when you make a commitment you follow through. So I began my online program two years ago with high hopes.

• Being an example to others has always been important to me. Communication and critical thinking is a complex maze, but this was something I had not been aware of until I threw myself into its learning. The professors at Argosy University were leaders in the field of psychology, making this a pleasurable experience. I now see the significant role diversity and ethics plays in psychology. Through this program I have a much better understanding of what that means.

Reflection of a Lifelong Longer• When we hear the words lifelong learner, it means just that.

That we learn through life by watching, reading, and talking. It is never too late to learn and being open to new concepts, choices, and abilities. Lifelong learning gives each one the opportunity to learn new things every day. For every individual it can mean something different; but for me it is the knowledge that I have gained in my daily life. As I have realized that growth is not from an expert opinion but as a person. It is the constant development of oneself. Being a lifelong learner does not mean that you attend college all your life or being the one to always ask the questions. It is our attitude to be a continuous and lifelong learner.

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