Domestic violence shelter address and phone numbers

Effects on Children Who Live With Domestic Violence

Let's begin with the assumption that children do not sleep through domestic violence. Therefore, they are potential witnesses to a crime because they very likely heard or saw something. What the officer does or does not do at the domestic violence crime scene will irrevocably affect them.

How are children affected by domestic violence?

They exhibit "failure to thrive" symptoms even as infants.
They may exhibit "general aggressiveness" or violence to siblings or the "victim parent" in ways that emulate the abusive parent.
They may exhibit a pattern of "over-compliance" and fearfulness.
They often suffer from low self-esteem.
They often suffer poor health.
They may have poor impulse control.
They often experience academic problems.
They live frequently "disrupted lives" when the victim is forced to flee the home.
They, along with their mothers, comprise nearly 40% of the homeless population in the U.S.
They are sometimes injured during violent incidents in the home or the family vehicle.
They are more often abducted by the abuser parent than other children.
They may have a fear and distrust of close relationships.
They may become conflicted in taking sides with parents.
They experience confusion over correct behavior.
They experience psychosomatic complaints, i.e., stomachaches, headaches, stuttering, anxiety, fear, etc.
They experience "night terrors" (waking up screaming in the night).
They may wet the bed.
They kill themselves more often than children who do not live with abuse.
They are likely to repeat learned behaviors.
They blame themselves for the violence or the inability to stop it and protect the victim parent.
They often experience PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
They are more likely to be victim of child physical and sexual abuse, most often by the abuser parent and less often by the victim.
They are four times as likely to be arrested eventually.
They are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
They are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior.
They are more likely to commit crime against other persons and sexual assaults.

Need I say more?

-Taken from Training on Domestic Violence with Sergeant Anne O'Dell

If you would like more information about A Safe Place, please call us at 847-731-7165 or email us at info@asafeplaceforhelp.org.

24-hour hotline: 847-697-2380

Ayuda en espanol: 847-697-9740

A Safe Place provides individual and group counseling to child witnesses of domestic violence in both the residential and nonresidential programs.

The 24-hour HELP LINE, 847-249-4450; TTY 847-249-6557, can provide assistance in accessing services.

Related Children and Domestic Violence Tips and Articles

Effects on Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence - Parts 1, 2, and 3
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children - Parts 1, 2, and 3
Effects of Dating Abuse on Teens
Children and Domestic Violence
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children as Related by Their Mothers
Resiliency: Boys and Domestic Violence
Children's Book List on Domestic Violence

Everyone has the right to a violence-free, safe and healthy life.
Help Line: 847-249-4450 • Office: 847-731-7165 • TTY: 847-249-6557