Impact of domestic abuse on children
Children who witness domestic abuse are at risk of both short and long-term physical and mental health problems. Every child will be affected differently to the trauma of domestic abuse.
Since the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children that have been exposed to domestic abuse are now recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, rather than just witnesses.
Below are some examples of the short term effects of domestic abuse you may see in children at different ages/ stages of development.
For young children this can include:
- bed-wetting
- increased sensitivity and crying
- difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
- separation anxiety
For school aged children this can include:
- a loss of drive to participate in activities and school
- lower grades in school
- feeling guilty and to blame for the abuse happening to them
- getting into trouble more often
- physical signs such as headaches and stomach aches
For teenagers this can include:
- acting out in negative ways such as missing school or fighting with family members
- having low self-esteem
- finding it difficult to make friends
- engaging in risky behaviours such as using alcohol and other drugs
Below are some examples of the long term effects of domestic abuse.
- mental health problems, such as becoming anxious or depressed. Low mental health can also lead to big impacts on physical health, including self-harm or developing an eating disorder
- having a lowered sense of self-worth
- using alcohol and other drugs as unhealthy coping mechanisms
- repeating behaviours seen in their domestic setting
It can be difficult to know if domestic abuse is happening. Even if they are not physically harmed, children may experience emotional and psychological damage as a result of witnessing domestic abuse.
Signs and indicators that a child has witnessed domestic abuse can include:
- withdrawn or detached behaviour
- ambivalent feelings towards both the abuser and the non-abusing parent
- constant or frequent sickness
- frustration or aggression
- bullying peers
- problems in school or with learning
- anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- drug or alcohol use
- easily startled or seem on edge
- fear of leaving the home
- bed-wetting or increased soiling
- nightmares or insomnia
- withdrawal or struggles with separation
- difficulty identifying feelings or communicating needs
- difficulty developing positive peer relationships