Children are often the unseen victims of domestic abuse. This can be during the relationship and after separation. Your abuser may directly target your children. Your children may witness or overhear what is happening in the home.
Domestic abuse against children includes:
- Emotional abuse including verbal abuse (name-calling, threats of violence, neglect)
- Physical abuse including slapping, hair-pulling, use of weapons to beat children
- Sexual abuse
- Witnessing abuse against their mothers
- Forcing children to go on access visits with an abusive father
- Children deliberately isolated and estranged from their mothers
Impact on children
Children can experience both short-term and long-term effects as a result of domestic violence. These can include:
- Feeling guilty, angry, insecure and anxious
- Having difficulty sleeping and/or experiencing nightmares or flashbacks
- Bed-wetting
- Having a lowered sense of self-worth
- Experiencing difficulties in school
However, it is important to remember that some children may not exhibit any negative effects.
If you are worried about your children, talk to us.