EFFECTS ON CHILDREN AND TEENS
Sometimes we think children and teens are not aware of violence in the home, but they usually hear and see more than we realize. Domestic violence impacts everyone and children and teens are no exception.
The good news is that you can counteract the destructive effects of exposure to abuse with your nurturing, support, unconditional love, and a supportive network of friends and family. Children and teens can be resilient if they are listened to, supported, and allowed to feel safe. Your relationship as a parent with your children is an important factor in determining their resiliency.
The good news is that you can counteract the destructive effects of exposure to abuse with your nurturing, support, unconditional love, and a supportive network of friends and family. Children and teens can be resilient if they are listened to, supported, and allowed to feel safe. Your relationship as a parent with your children is an important factor in determining their resiliency.
WITNESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
In Idaho, each year over 16,000 children are aware of and suffer from the consequences of witnessing domestic violence.
The effects of exposure to domestic violence vary depending on the age of the child or teen; the length, frequency, and severity of the abuse; and the child’s or teen’s relationship with the non-abusive parent. Other factors include whether they are themselves targets of abuse and/or have access to a support network.
Children and teens will experience different symptoms depending on these factors. The younger the child and the longer the exposure to abuse, the more critical it is to ensure the child’s immediate emotional and physical safety, to interrupt the trauma, and to support your child’s healing.
The effects of exposure to domestic violence vary depending on the age of the child or teen; the length, frequency, and severity of the abuse; and the child’s or teen’s relationship with the non-abusive parent. Other factors include whether they are themselves targets of abuse and/or have access to a support network.
Children and teens will experience different symptoms depending on these factors. The younger the child and the longer the exposure to abuse, the more critical it is to ensure the child’s immediate emotional and physical safety, to interrupt the trauma, and to support your child’s healing.