A child growing up in a home where domestic violence is present can seriously effect them. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, between 3 and 10 million children and teens witness domestic violence each year.
There are short-term and long-term effects for children living in a violent household. That’s why it is essential to protect them and teach them right from wrong and how to set healthy boundaries from abusers. Please read the short-term effects and long-term effects below so you know what to watch for and how to protect your children.
Short-Term Effects
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Did you know? A child that grows up in a toxic, violent home, may grow to be an adult dealing with depression? More characteristics of an adult that grew up in a dangerous and violent environment as a child are sadness, concentration issues, and a poor diet which may lead to heart disease, diabetes, and/or obesity.
Anxiety – Children are likely to remain on edge and nervous until the next violent outburst happens. For younger children (preschoolers and toddlers), you may see bedwetting, thumb sucking, and an increase of crying, whining and above and beyond needed attention. School-age children may develop antisocial behavior, may struggle with heavy guilt and have a lack of self-esteem.
Aggressive Behavior – Kids and teens who grew up in a violent household may tend to act out with aggressive behavior and may be more reactive than most. Other signs to look out for are skipping school, fighting, violent reactiveness, and possibly getting in trouble with the law.
Long-Term Effects
Health Problems – A poor diet, alcohol or drug abuse may stem from internal struggles from growing up in a toxic and violent home where abuse was easily noted and witnessed. Adults who grew up in this type of environment may suffer from addiction, diabetes, and heart disease among many mental health issues that require support and help from licensed professionals.
Depression – The overly nervous child raised in an abusive environment may grow to become a depressed adult. When a child routinely witnesses domestic violence and toxic behavior in their safe place tend to be more at high risk of developing depression, sadness, and high anxiety in their adult years.
Domestic violence can profoundly effect everyone involved, not just those directly experiencing it. Children, in particular, may develop anxiety and depression as a result. Connecting them with a mental health professional for therapy can help manage these psychological challenges. Therapy also offers support in navigating the significant emotional strain and trauma of growing up in a toxic environment.
Please see the list of resources below that may be able to help.
Michigan Resources:
– Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline – 866-VOICEDV – Learn More Here: https://www.michigan.gov/…/domestic-violence-hotline
– National Institute of Mental Health – Learn More Here: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
– MDHHS Women’s Specialty Services – Learn More Here: https://www.michigan.gov/…/txcontent/womens-specialty-
-Faith Based Organization – Crossroads Care Center offers free counseling, medical services, and baby & maternity supplies for their clients for up to two years. Learn More Here: www.crossroadscarecenter.org.
