ALERT!
90 percent of parents who are currently experiencing domestic violence within their relationship believe their children do not know what is happening. However, 90 percent of the children are aware of the DV situation.DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IMPACT ON CHILDREN
FACT 1
Researchers have estimated that between 3.3 million and 10 million children are exposed to adult domestic violence each year. One researcher has estimated conservatively that at least 10 to 20 percent of children are exposed to intimate partner violence annually, with as many as one-third exposed at some point during childhood or adolescence.
Researchers have estimated that between 3.3 million and 10 million children are exposed to adult domestic violence each year. One researcher has estimated conservatively that at least 10 to 20 percent of children are exposed to intimate partner violence annually, with as many as one-third exposed at some point during childhood or adolescence.
FACT 2
Two studies lead by Centers for Disease Control researchers found long-term negative effects on people who had exposure to domestic violence and maltreatment during their childhood. The first study found greater probability of adolescent alcohol use, and the second one found a greater risk of depression.
Two studies lead by Centers for Disease Control researchers found long-term negative effects on people who had exposure to domestic violence and maltreatment during their childhood. The first study found greater probability of adolescent alcohol use, and the second one found a greater risk of depression.
- Many Children exposed to domestic violence experience also physical abuse.
- Children who are victims of violence at home are at high risk for long- term physical and mental health.
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FACT 3
Adverse childhood experiences have been associated with health concerns and lower life satisfaction, more frequent symptoms of depression and anxiety, tobacco and alcohol use, behaviors that place adults at risk for HIV infection, disabilities caused by health problems, as well as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Adverse childhood experiences have been associated with health concerns and lower life satisfaction, more frequent symptoms of depression and anxiety, tobacco and alcohol use, behaviors that place adults at risk for HIV infection, disabilities caused by health problems, as well as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
FACT 4
Children who witness incidents of domestic violence are at greater risk of serious adult health problems including obesity, cancer, and unintended pregnancies than peers who did not witness domestic violence.
Children who witness incidents of domestic violence are at greater risk of serious adult health problems including obesity, cancer, and unintended pregnancies than peers who did not witness domestic violence.
FACT 5
People who is exposed to adverse childhood experiences are six times more likely to commit suicide, 50 percent more likely to be addicted to drugs ,and 74 times more likely to commit a violent crime.
People who is exposed to adverse childhood experiences are six times more likely to commit suicide, 50 percent more likely to be addicted to drugs ,and 74 times more likely to commit a violent crime.
FACT 6
Children who witness violence between parents have a high risk to follow the same patterns in future relationships.
Children who witness violence between parents have a high risk to follow the same patterns in future relationships.
Impact of Childhood Trauma
The psychological aftermath of children experiencing DV can include fear of harm or abandonment, excessive worry or sadness, guilt, inability to experience empathy, habitual lying, low frustration tolerance, emotional distancing, poor judgment, shame, and fear about the future..
The First Step Toward Healing
Talking with children about violence can be hard. But it’s often the best way to help. Here are some ways to get started:
- Take a deep breath. Talking about violence is tough.
- Try to get more comfortable by talking to someone you trust first. That person can help you plan what you want to say to the child.
- If you were hurt by the same violence the child saw or experienced, tell yourself that it’s OK to feel upset when you remember what happened. It’s scary for the child, too. Once you start talking, you may feel better.
- Begin with an opening question, for example what she/he feels about it. it is important don’t assume you know what the child experienced even if you were there when the violence happened. Children often perceive violence very differently than adults do. Don’t try to correct the child. Listen.
- Be patient. Don’t push the child if he/she seems doesn’t want to talk or listen. You can try again later.
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HOW WE CAN SUPPORT CHILDREN FROM THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRUGGLES
Having a stable, nurturing adult relationship can be an important protective factor for a child exposed to the toxic stress of domestic violence or maltreatment.
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Research Indicates that the number one protective factor in helping children help from the experience is the presence of a consistent supportive and loving adult--most often the mother.
Some Ways Parents Can Help Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence Heal
Believe that you are never to blame for someone else's abuse. It is natural to worry that you have failed as a parent, or for asking for help, and that your children will be taken away from you if you report the violence.Take care of yourself. Whenever possible, get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise, etc., so you can be there for your child.
Focus on your healing. Reach out for help. Taking action toward healing will make it easier for you to support your child to do the same.
Play with your child and be part of their world. Find activities that you can do together, playing sports, singing, drawing, reading, watching a movie together, dancing, or pretend play.
Listen to your child to help them feel seen, heard, and valued. When you talk with your child, make eye contact, and give all your attention to him/her.
Be your child’s cheerleader. Tell your child what you love about them and celebrate your child's achievements.
Inspire your child to try new activities. Help your child build new skills, such as building legos, completing a puzzle.
Talk to your child about their feelings. teach your child to name emotions that it can help them to feel understood and identify what they are feeling.
Create calm and predictable routines. Help your child know what to expect by creating habits such as going to bed at the same time every night. Bring your traditions, faith, and culture into these routines.
Stay close and comfort your child when they feel scared or overwhelmed.
Practice deep breathing together and provide your child with a comfort object such as a pacifier, blanket, or soft toy that helps them to feel safe.
Set clear rules and expectations about your child’s behavior. Use simple language such as “no hurting” or “let’s clean up the blocks.” Model good behavior and reward your child’s efforts to follow family rules.
Create a network of support for you and your child, and be a support for other parents. Talk about the situation to a trusted friend, faith leader, or mental health professional it is good to feel supported.
Create calm and predictable routines. Help your child know what to expect by creating habits such as going to bed at the same time every night. Bring your traditions, faith, and culture into these routines.
Stay close and comfort your child when they feel scared or overwhelmed.
Practice deep breathing together and provide your child with a comfort object such as a pacifier, blanket, or soft toy that helps them to feel safe.
Set clear rules and expectations about your child’s behavior. Use simple language such as “no hurting” or “let’s clean up the blocks.” Model good behavior and reward your child’s efforts to follow family rules.
Create a network of support for you and your child, and be a support for other parents. Talk about the situation to a trusted friend, faith leader, or mental health professional it is good to feel supported.
References
Oregon Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Advocacy Training
Healing the Invisible Wounds: Children’s Exposure to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/programs/safestart/HealingTheInvisibleWounds.pdf
Twelve Ways Parents Can Help Young Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence Heal
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/twelve-ways-parents-can-help-young-children-who-have-experienced-domestic-violence-heal
Oregon Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Advocacy Training
Healing the Invisible Wounds: Children’s Exposure to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/programs/safestart/HealingTheInvisibleWounds.pdf
Twelve Ways Parents Can Help Young Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence Heal
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/twelve-ways-parents-can-help-young-children-who-have-experienced-domestic-violence-heal