Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to bully and insult other children. They may spend less time with friends and have lower quality friendships. Other behavioral problems may include hyperactivity, tantrums, stealing, excessive crying, and impulsiveness.
How may domestic violence affect a child's development?
Children who witness domestic violence may come to believe that violence is an okay way to deal with conflicts and that violence is normal in relationships.
What kinds of physical problems may a child develop from witnessing domestic violence?
Physical problems children may experience include bed-wetting, headaches, eating disorders, ulcers, self-mutilation, insomnia, vomiting, irregularity, asthma, sleepwalking, involuntary urination, and nightmares.
How may a child's school performance be affected by domestic violence?
Children who witness domestic violence may experience one or more of the following problems at school: erratic attendance, difficulty concentrating, learning disabilities, over-achieving, poor performance, school phobia, disobedience, and excessive fighting.
What long-term problems may a child develop as a result of domestic violence?
Many children who witness domestic violence will have emotional, physical and behavioral problems in their adult lives. Witnessing violence as a child is associated with adult reports of depression, trauma-related symptoms, and low self-esteem. Also, the majority of abusive husbands have grown up in families where they witnessed their fathers abuse their mothers. Abused women are less likely to seek help if they witnessed domestic violence as a child.
