Family violence and children

Many victims who stay in a violent relationship often do so because they think it is best for the children of the relationship to be with both parents. Research shows that witnessing or experiencing domestic violence by children is a trauma similar to that experienced by people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Children who live with family violence, whether they are experiencing abuse or witnessing abuse, are now viewed as victims in their own right. Recent research has shown that children do not automatically forget or grow out of the effects of living in a violent family situation. Further, children do not necessarily have to see violent acts to be traumatised; hearing violence from another room, viewing the physical injuries to the victim and living with the tension and vigilance present in a violent household traumatises children (S.H.E.: Domestic Violence & Children Report 2003, p.8). The report produced by S.H.E. (Support, Help and Empowerment) went on to list the behavioural effects of witnessing family violence on children which include:

nervousness and anxiety
withdrawn behaviour
adjustment problems, fewer interests, diminished friendships
restlessness/attention problems, recurrent intrusive thoughts, nightmares
bedwetting
psychosomatic illnesses
excessive cruelty to animals or younger children
aggressive language and behaviour.

Services for children can be found on the Family violence services section. The criminal justice response to family violence Safe at Home, will include a counselling service for child victims of family violence.

More Information

The Australian Childhood Foundation provides information on children experiencing abuse.

Domestic Violence and Women's Physical Health is available on the Australian Domestic Violence Clearinghouse website. This-15 page report has a useful section on the effects of domestic violence in pregnancy.

Resources