Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Children living in a domestic violence environment learn lessons that stay with them for a lifetime.  They learn to use violence and coercion as a means of power.  They learn it is acceptable within their family unit to injure and abuse the ones they love the most.  Without intervention these lessons can cause life long trauma for the children and those with whom they live.

An estimated 87% of children in homes with domestic violence witness that abuse.

Children of abused mothers are six times more likely to attempt suicide and 50% more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than their peers who grow up in non-abusive households.

In households where domestic violence is a major problem, sons over the age of 14 are often the only protection a mother has from her abuser.  One study of households experiencing domestic violence, indicated that 62% of boys in that age group were injured while attempting to protect their mother.

As the violence against the mother becomes more severe and frequent, it is estimated that there is a 300% increase in violence against the children by the male batterer.

Of children who witness abuse, nearly 50% suffer anxiety or depression and/or act out with their siblings or parents.  They may also have difficulties with sleeping, health, self-esteem, and impulse control.