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Domestic violence affects every member of the family,
including the children. It is estimated that over 3
million children witness violence in their home. (Straus,
Gelles, &Steinmetz, 1980). |
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In North Dakota in 2000, at least 5,016 children were
directly impacted by domestic violence. |
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Children react to violence in their environment in
different ways, and reactions can vary depending on age
and gender. |
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Some possible effects: |
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Emotional |
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Grief for
family and personal losses. |
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Shame, guilt,
and self blame. |
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Confusion
about conflicting feelings toward parents. |
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Fear of
abandonment, or expressing emotions, the unknown or
personal injury. |
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Anger |
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Depression and
feelings of helplessness and powerlessness. |
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Embarrassment |
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Acting out or
withdrawing. |
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Aggressive or
passive. |
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Refusing to go
to school. |
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Care taking;
acting as a parent substitute. |
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Out of control
behavior. |
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Manipulation,
dependency, mood swings. |
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Social |
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Isolation from
friends and relatives. |
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Stormy
relationships. |
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Difficulty
trusting, especially adults. |
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Poor anger
management and problem solving skills. |
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Excessive
social involvement to avoid home. |
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Passivity with
peers or bullying. |
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Engaged in
exploitative relationships as perpetrator or victim. |
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Physical |
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Somatic
complaints, headaches and stomachaches. |
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Nervous,
anxious, short attention span. |
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Tired and
lethargic. |
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Frequently
ill. |
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Poor personal
hygiene. |
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Regression in
development. |
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High risk
play. |
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Self abuse. |
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Bruises and
other personal injuries. |
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For further information,
resources materials, etc. contact: |
ND Council on Abused Women’s Services/
Coalition Against Sexual Assault
418 East Rosser Avenue, #320
Bismarck, ND 58501-4046
888-255-6240 or 701-255-6240
[Contact Us] |
Red Flag Green Flag
PO Box 2984
Fargo, ND 58108-2984
701-293-7273
[Website] |
Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota
418 East Rosser Ave #303
Bismarck, ND 58502-1213
800-403-9932 or 701-223-9052
[Email] |
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
PO Box 18749
Denver, CO 80218
303-839-1852
[Website] |
Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
[Website] |
