Unfortunately, domestic violence is spread all over the world and many children are affected by it. The home environment is the foundation of a child’s perception and acquisition of values and morals. It should be noted that such a terrible notion as domestic violence affects children in numerous aspects of their lives – behavioral, emotional and social. In many cases, all these aspects follow the person throughout the whole his or her life and may cause numerous psychological problems in the future in his/ her own family, as well. That is why, the cycle of domestic violence repeats again and again and the person who grows up in violent environment is three times more likely to be violent in his/ her family then the child who was not affected by domestic violence. The women who grew up in a violent environment are more likely to endure domestic violence in future. One of the possible results for a little girl is low self-esteem and even commitment to suicide. This paper seeks to explore that violent and hostile domestic environment causes limited social skills, delinquent behaviors, as well as many other serious effects.
If the child witnesses domestic violence, he will get countless psychological problems in future. Children who saw violent behavior against their mother is on the verge of deep psychological trauma. The effects that domestic violence causes are quite different. It depends on the stage of child’s development, as well as the way of how they react to this hostile environment. The babies who grow up in families where domestic violence occurs are subjected to sleeping problems, numerous illnesses, as well as excess screaming. According to statistics, children of preschool level are more likely to suffer from domestic violence. Women who suffer from domestic violence, in most cases, are inattentive to their children. They display some weird feelings and emotions and the children do not understand them; very often these women show detachment of their children. It is noticeable that being raised in such a family, children consider violence as one possible solution, in order to get something. These children receive incorrect view of gender roles; they believe that man should be domineering and aggressive toward a woman. In situations where one parent is using the child to manipulate the other, the child tends to be confused as to who he/ she should side with.
As for behavioral effects on children, it should be said that those children who experience domestic violence in childhood exhibit countless behavioral symptoms. Infants cry a lot and show irritability. Some children have digestive problems and even diarrhea and lack of appetite. These children are easily startled and shy away from being touched. Older children retreat into a little shell, where they should live in fear. Some children experience nightmares, insomnia those are the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Such children think a lot about parents` relationship and that is why they show bad results at school. Teenagers can even join some destructive groups, in order to get rid of thoughts about violent environment at home and demonstrate rebellion, as well. The girls can experience eating disorders and the boys can show violent behavior towards girls. Children who are affected by this issue do not concentrate on their education.
Social effects on children may also vary, depending on the age of children. Infants are affected differently than teenagers. Some babies show lack of responsiveness because of parents` inattention. Older children try to hide away or are quite violent towards other children. They consider violence as one possible solution for solving all the issues. Pre-school children are inclined to blame themselves combined with being vulnerable to adult’s anger.
It is very common for teenagers to show aggressive behaviors if they experience domestic violence at home. Some of them display hyperactivity and that is why such children experience numerous problems with authorities. Consequently, their grades and ability to interact with others at school are negatively affected. Some of the affected children may take anti-depressants that may cause serious problems with health.
It should be noted that children’s perception of domestic violence is quite a complex issue; it is closely intertwined with the victim of domestic violence. If domestic violence exists in family, the child is affected by it, regardless of whether the child is just a witness of it, directly abused. Year by year, this problem becomes more significant in modern civilized society.
Domestic violence takes an immense impact on child’s psychics; such children tend to be introverted. They do not like to tell somebody about their problems because of fear to be ashamed.
Home is the safest place in the world for children. If they face domestic violence here, they will experience countless psychological problems. Very often these children feel guilty for being unable to help the victimized parent. Domestic violence can cause many serious psychological problems until a workable treatment is found.
Domestic violence is an extremely serious issue that deserves a serious treatment. There are many ways of solving this problem; parents should acknowledge that they are responsible for future of their children. They should consult a psychologist, in order to get rid of this terrible issue. The professional doctor will always find the right way to help the family to bring up absolutely healthy child.
Children are the best wealth on the Earth and adults should do their best to protect them from negative effects of domestic violence because they are extremely responsible for children’s future.