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Statistics on the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are at high risk of suffering physical abuse themselves. Regardless of whether children are physically abused, the emotional effects of witnessing domestic violence are very similar to the psychological trauma associated with being a victim of child abuse. Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children witness domestic violence.
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Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average in the general population.
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Research suggest that battering is the single most common factor among mothers of abused children.
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Lenore Walker's 1984 study found that mothers were 8 times more likely to hurt their children when they were being battered than when they were safe from violence.
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Children in homes where domestic violence occurs may indirectly receive injuries when household items are thrown, weapons are used, or as a result of being held by their mother when being battered.
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Older children may be hurt while trying to protect their mother.
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Children from violent homes have higher risks of drug/alcohol abuse and juvenile delinquency.
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Approximately 90% of children are aware of the violence directed at their mother.
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Children are present in 41-55% of homes where police intervene in domestic violence calls.
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Children in homes where domestic violence occurs may experience cognitive or language problems, developmental delay, stress-related physical ailments and hearing and speech problems.
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72% of women going to a shelter bring their children with them and 21% of them bring 3 or more children.
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Boys who witness domestic violence are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys raised in nonviolent homes.
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Many states have passed legislation recognizing that domestic violence should affect child custody decisions.
-From Domestic Violence – A Guide for Health Care Professionals,
State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs, March 1990
If you would like more information about A Safe Place and the programs we provide, please call us at 847-731-7165 or email us at info@asafeplaceforhelp.org. |
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A Safe Place provides individual and group counseling to child witnesses of domestic violence in both the residential and nonresidential programs.
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