Domestic Abuse: A Conversation With Surrey and Sussex Healthcare’s IDVA and guests

Domestic Abuse and the Impact on Children

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Episode notes

Domestic violence affects everyone in the family, including children. Although children may not be the direct targets of violence in their home, the effect of witnessing violence can have a profoundly harmful impact on their lives. In fact, research indicates that children exposed to violence in their home often suffer severe emotional and developmental difficulties not unlike those of children who are victims of abuse or neglect themselves. When children witness abuse, over time they may begin to believe that violence at home is normal. Studies indicate that they may display more anxiety, depression, anger, and self-esteem problems than children who have not witnessed violence at home. They may also learn to avoid talking about their own feelings, blame themselves for the abuse or have physical symptoms of illness as a result of stress. Witnessing abuse can make children feel lonely and isolated from their friends and, in the worst case scenario, lead them to act out the violence they have observed. This episode we look at the impact that abuse has on children #familyviolence #domesticabuse #children