FAMILY VIOLENCE
How is it affecting my children?
Every child is affected by domestic violence in their
own way.
Often children who witness domestic violence suffer
developmental and behavioural problems which may seriously affect
the quality of their lives.
The following are typical child responses. But keep
in mind that many of these symptoms may be difficult for others
to notice because children often hide their feelings from parents
and friends.
Effects
on children |
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1.
Relive the trauma: |
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dreams
fantasies
playing it out over and over
talking over and over about the trauma
nightmares
distress at triggers |
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2.
Show changes in normal behaviour: |
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withdrawal
regression
loss of energy
increased risk-taking behavior
depression
narrow range of emotions
shows symptoms of physical illness |
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3.
Show an increased state of arousal: |
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inability
to concentrate
sleep disturbances
increased aggression
easily upset
disrupted patterns of eating
hyperalertness
irritability and anger
increased startle response
anxiety and fearfulness |
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4.
Have feelings that unnecessarily burden them: |
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feelings
of guilt and responsibility
seeing oneself as bad or worthless
feelings of loss of control
sense of helplessness
pessimism about the future
fear that it will happen again |
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5.
Have delayed or impaired development: |
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social
development
moral development
psychological disorders
school problems
intellectural development |
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6.
Have difficulty with relationships: |
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identification
with aggressor
damaged senses of trust and/or autonomy
increased aggression
lack of empathy
withdrawal from friends |
Even
infants and toddlers may experience these effects.
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My family is experiencing violence
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I would like to |
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Legal Services Links:
Travis
County Attorney's Office
Travis
County District Attorney's Office
Legal Aid of Central Texas
Women's
Advocacy Project
Social Services Links:
APD Victim
Services
TCSO Victim
Services
SafePlace: Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault Survival Center
Austin Child Guidance
Center
Additional Resources:
Domestic
Violence Hotlines and Resources
National Domestic Violence
Hotline
Violence Against Women
Office
Violence
Agaianst Men and Women
Family Violence Awareness
Page
Husband Battering
Child Abuse:
National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
Prevent
Child Abuse America
National
Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse
Yellow Page
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