Statistics: Family Violence and Children

Each year millions of children from all social economic groups suffer effects of family violence.  Sometimes it is more painful for children to witness abuse between parents or witness the affects such as bruises, black eyes, cuts, hearing glass break, violent language, etc. then the pain associated with abuse.

1. Children in abusive homes may experience physical abuse from a parent or by getting caught in the middle of a fight. Children in abusive homes may also experience neglect or be exposed to drugs and alcohol and other dangerous life styles.

2. Children learn by what they see. Boys may learn to act aggressively and use violence to settle conflicts, while girls may learn to act passively. Not all boys and girls raised in abusive homes will grow up to be abusers or marry abusers but boys growing up in abusive homes are at risk.

3. Children from abusive homes are at risk for emotional and developmental problems. They may suffer from low self esteem, depression, or have difficulty expressing their feelings. They may lose the ability to trust. If a child can not trust a person that loves him/her, then how can that child learn to trust others? Children growing up in abusive homes often experience feelings of ANXIETY AND FEAR. Lack of sleep and fearful emotions result in children's inability to concentrate on schoolwork or to complete tasks.

4. Children in abusive homes experience mixed emotions and guilt. They may love the abuser, but at times wish the abuser would go away or die. They may feel responsible for the abuse or for not being able to stop the abuse. They may lose respect and begin to resent the parent for being a victim.

5. The abuser may have isolated the family from relatives and other support groups. These children may feel that they are the only children with these experiences and withdraw from their friends.