The problem of domestic violence is considered as one of the known human rights violations done in most homes today. Children and women are mostly the victims of domestic violence, while men are usually the suspects of these violent acts. Some women succumbed to stress are also capable of performing these acts. Despite the laws passed to persecute suspects of domestic violence on children and women, only a few have paid for their crimes. Many still practice this crime to many helpless victims, no matter how severe the punishment is. Many have questioned as to the extent of the effects domestic violence can bring to the development and behaviour of children. Why do some people commit domestic violence on children? Are there any methods as to how to reduce the effects on children and prevent this crime from increasing? Many factors can push a person in committing domestic violence on children, whether it may be a personal problem or social stressors. However, it is undeniable that children, who experience this crime, whether as an onlooker or the victim himself, change negatively towards the world and towards others.
Whether they are the ones being abused or they are witnessing the event, children are still victims of domestic violence. Studies have shown that almost 30-60% of families around the globe have experienced cases of child maltreatment and domestic violence. The acts that can be committed or be exposed to children can vary depending on the abuser. But, one of the most common violent acts that can be committed to children is the act of sexual abuse or incest. Studies have pointed out that a batterer is more likely to abuse his child sexually than to only abuse the mother of the child. Others would have sexually abused both the child and the mother. However, this is not the case for most families as batterers may only abuse their children if they have a high level of manipulativeness, self-centeredness or expectation of fulfilment from their children. Other cases have shown that children with mothers battered by their fathers or any relatives may also be victims of physical abuse. Results have shown that almost one-half of children with battered mothers experience physical abuse. As the violence grows in frequency or severity, the child most likely will experience 300% chances of abuse by the batterer. Although these children may be protected by their mothers, at least 80 to 90 percent of children could give out 100% accurate descriptions of the violence happening in their homes. Exposure may vary from involvement, to hearing the screams of their mothers up to the aftermath of the abuse .
Each age group may have their own unique changes as a result of domestic violence. For infants, they would associate loud noises and visual images to things that may distress them. This will affect their eating habits and sleeping time. As infants require secure attachments from their parents, domestic violence may prevent parents from attaching or responding to their children's need, affecting their bond. Fear will also develop in the minds of these infants as they may connect play with aggression. Finally, since they are witnesses to violence done to their mothers, they will learn aggression from it. Injury is also possible if the child is shaken, dropped or hit by an object. For pre-schoolers, chances of sleep disturbances in the form of nightmares and night terrors will be a common occurrence. They may also show their stress through regressive behaviours such as bed-wetting, thumb-sucking and baby talk. There is also that instilling belief in the child that the violence is because of the child himself. Instability due to violence can also inhibit independence that may show how confused they are when being told. Showing anger and aggression is also a common effect in pre-schoolers by domestic violence .
For children aged 6 to 11 years old, the effects of domestic violence can vary per gender. Generally, children would become more aware as to how they should see violence at home, and how this affects other people. They start to understand what would happen if their mother’s safety is at risk or when the father is found guilty. Rationalization will also note by these children and connect items which lead to violence such as alcohol and the notion that victims deserved to be abuse. Learning will also be hindered by domestic violence since children in this age will show signs of becoming easily distracted, and concentrate more on the negatives rather than the praises given to them. It is also possible that children in this age would learn the gender roles in abuse . This age group is also prone to distrust especially to adults and would recoil on impulse if they feel others touch them. Oppositionalism and aggressiveness is prominent in these children as they learn more about these crimes through the media. Some would develop a sense of indiscrimination and would only create friendships and relationships temporarily. They may not prolong these relationships, given their lack of trust in people .
There are distinct problems that may occur if the child is threatened by the perpetrator to keep what they know a secret. Some psychologists have noted that children exposed to long-term maltreatment or violence is hard to talk to and interview. Studies have noted that these children have problems understanding the tasks given to them and have a hard time recalling past events. In a few cases, children seem to be calm or emotionless when retelling some of the events. For children with severe symptoms of PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, they show signs of trauma once they recall the event. These children would also stall to avoid recalling the memories. For those who blame themselves for violence or as the victim themselves, communicating with others will cause more violence. Older children may also see adults, especially schools, police and government institutions to be unhelpful. Without trust in these groups, it may be hard to communicate with the treatment sessions.
At present, there are a lot of key actions and changes proposed to end and stop the increase of child victims of domestic violence. National and Local commitments and actions are strengthened to incorporate violence prevention, victim rehabilitation, awareness campaigns and research to their strategy. Implementing these changes would require human and financial assistance, to assure effectiveness of the strategy. Laws and policies that prohibit all forms of violence against children and end of impunity have also been raised by some countries. For the UN as an example, they have managed to have their members pledge on the Convention on the Rights of Children, listing duties each member states must do to end the problem of violence against children in all forms. The organization has also imposed Optional Protocols to include Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. The Convention also imposes the prohibition of corporal punishment, a common reason parents use to abuse their children. Proposals of ending impunity are supported by numerous organizations such as UNICEF as most reports of domestic violence on children are not reported .
However, in a broader perspective, it is necessary to show children that they can be protected from such a horrible ordeal by giving them what they need: a safe environment, loving family, trusted support and adults who will understand them. The effects of domestic violence would depend on these factors as the child moves on from the event. Every child has the right to grow with the people they can consider their protection and teachers. These people would become their guidance and friend whenever they feel that something is wrong or when they recall the horrible violence they have witnessed. These children would also need to create routines that would teach them a sense of normalcy to ensure continuous development. Holistic and comprehensive responses will also cater to the child's insecurity and response to therapies. It is also crucial to teach these children that domestic violence is wrong, and there are non-violent methods that can be applied to stop them. Alternative role models can be used to re-affirm this notion. It is also noteworthy that these adults or role models speak out and do their part to address the problem .
The effects and increasing cases of domestic violence on children may continue to grow if all the principal actors in a child's life would not cooperate with one another and change their outlook on the problem. Children are extremely inquisitive, and one violent act or event can change their life forever. Many have agreed that these children are the next generation that would help build the world, and if they are exposed to violence especially in home continuously, they may not be able to develop skills and talents they need for the future. Trust and openness is essential to help these children move towards the future. Without it, these children may not recover from their ordeal and change for the worst. It is up to everyone to find a solution and help these children regain trust to the people they should be looking up to the most.
Works Cited
Australian Department of Community Services. "Domestic Violence and its Impact on Children's Development." Department of Community Services' Fourth Domestic Violence Forum. Glebe: Department of Community Services, 2002. 1-10. Print.
Baker, Linda, Peter Jaffe and Lynda Ashbourne. Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: An Early Childhood Educator's Handbook to Increase Understanding and Improve Community Responses. London, 2002. Print.
Deaton, Wendy and Michael Hertica. A therapist's guide to Growing free: a manual for survivors of domestic violence. New York: Routledge, 2001. Print.
Inter-Parliamentary Union, UNICEF. Eliminating Violence Against Children. France: Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNICEF, 2007. Print.
Jones, David. Communicating with vulnerable children: a guide for practitioners. London: RCPsych Publications, 2003. Print.
UNICEF, The Body Shop. Behind Closed Doors: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children. West Sussex: The Body Shop International plc, 2006. Print.
Wilson, K.J. When Violence Begins at Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Ending Domestic Abuse. Alameda: Hunter House, 2005. Print.
