Children and teens are often hidden victims of domestic

violence/abuse. When exposed to a parent who is abusive,

children and teens often witness domestic violence/abuse, get
hurt accidentally or become direct victims of abuse. The effects of
exposure to domestic violence/abuse can be as damaging to
children and teens as the damage that an abusive person inflicts
on his/her partner.
The good news is that children and teens are resilient; they are
strong and able to heal if they are listened to, nurtured and
allowed to feel safe. Your relationship as a parent with your child
and teen is an important factor in determining their resiliency.
While exposure to a parent who is abusive puts children and teens
at risk, you can counteract the effects of exposure to abuse with
your nurturing, support, unconditional love and a supportive
network of friends and family.
Witnessing Domestic Violence/Abuse :
Three to 10 million children witness domestic violence/abuse each
year in the United States. Interviews with children show that they
are aware of and suffer the consequences of witnessing domestic
violence/abuse. The extent of the risk and trauma of witnessing
domestic violence/abuse depends on the age of the child and the
severity, length and frequency of abuse. Children as young as 1 or
2 years old and teens exposed to an abusive parent often feel
afraid, helpless, guilty, angry, frustrated, isolated and confused.
The Co-Occurence Of Domestic Violence/Abuse With Child Abuse
& Neglect:
Children and teens exposed to an abusive parent are also at
higher risk of child abuse and neglect. In a national survey of
more than 6,000 families, 50% of the men who frequently

assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children.

Children and teens exposed to an abusive parent are often
isolated; called names; humiliated; manipulated into abusing the
non-abusive parent; threatened with abandonment, suicide, harm
to self or pets; intimidated; denied access to healthcare, proper
nutrition, clothing and shelter; sexually and physically abused.
The abusive parent will resort to these behaviors in an effort to
maintain power and control over their partner and children.
Effects Of Exposure To An Abusive Parent/Domestic
Violence/Abuse:
School-Age Children: Psychological:
Depression, anxiety, confusion, loss of self-esteem, anger,
aggression, fear, guilt, withdrawal
Behavioral: Aggression, self-destructiveness, problems in school
or they may exhibit perfectionist behavior; irrational fear of
failure, may perceive punishment as love
Physical/psychosomatic: Headaches, stomach-aches,
insomnia/sleep disturbances, bed-wetting, excessive clinging,
separation anxiety.
Teens: Poor academic performance or they may feel obliged to
always get straight As Parentification-they may feel responsible
for siblings and/or the abused parent Low self-esteem Poor social
skills Drug and alcohol use/abuse Running away from home
Suicidal behavior Criminal activity Early and risky sexual activity,
pregnancy or early marriage.
Report found at : http://www.corasupport.org/about-domesticviolence/effects-on-children-teens/