Affects of Domestic Violence on Children

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).

In North Dakota in 2000, at least 5,016 children were directly impacted by domestic violence.

Children react to violence in their environment in different ways, and reactions can vary depending on age and gender.

Some possible effects:

Emotional

  • Grief for family and personal losses.
  • Shame, guilt, and self blame.
  • Confusion about conflicting feelings toward parents.
  • Fear of abandonment, or expressing emotions, the unknown or personal injury.
  • Anger
  • Depression and feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.
  • Embarrassment
  • Acting out or withdrawing.
  • Aggressive or passive.
  • Refusing to go to school.
  • Care taking; acting as a parent substitute.
  • Out of control behavior.
  • Manipulation, dependency, mood swings.

Social

  • Isolation from friends and relatives.
  • Stormy relationships.
  • Difficulty trusting, especially adults.
  • Poor anger management and problem solving skills.
  • Excessive social involvement to avoid home.
  • Passivity with peers or bullying.
  • Engaged in exploitative relationships as perpetrator or victim.

Physical

  • Somatic complaints, headaches and stomachaches.
  • Nervous, anxious, short attention span.
  • Tired and lethargic.
  • Frequently ill.
  • Poor personal hygiene.
  • Regression in development.
  • High risk play.
  • Self abuse.
  • Bruises and other personal injuries.

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

[Red Flag Green Flag Website]

Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota

418 East Rosser Ave #303

Bismarck, ND 58502-1213

800-403-9932 or 701-223-9052

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

PO Box 18749

Denver, CO 80218

303-839-1852

[National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Website]

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse

[Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse Website]