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 safe3. 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 safe3. Your relationship as a parent with your children is an important factor in determining their resiliency.
WITNESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
In Idaho, over 16,000 children each year are aware of and suffer the consequences of witnessing domestic violence.
The effects of exposure to domestic violence will vary depending on the age of the child or teen, the length, frequency, and severity of the abuse, as well as the child’s or teen’s relationship with the non-abusive parent, and whether thy are themselves targets of abuse and/or have access to a support network.
It is important to know that children and teens will show different symptoms depending on all of 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, interrupt the trauma, and support your child’s healing.
The effects of exposure to domestic violence will vary depending on the age of the child or teen, the length, frequency, and severity of the abuse, as well as the child’s or teen’s relationship with the non-abusive parent, and whether thy are themselves targets of abuse and/or have access to a support network.
It is important to know that children and teens will show different symptoms depending on all of 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, interrupt the trauma, and support your child’s healing.