Home > Social Services
> Family Violence Resources
> Effects of Violence on Children
Effects of Violence on Children
- Research shows that 50% of the men who frequently assault their wives also
frequently abuse their children.
- Child abuse is 15 times more likely to occur in families where domestic
violence is present.
- Men who have witnessed their parents' violence are three times more likely
to abuse their own wives than children of nonviolent parents.
- Children who witness violence at home may display emotional and behavioural
problems as varied as withdrawal, low self-esteem, nightmares, self-blame, and
aggression against peers, family members and property.
- A comparison of delinquent and non-delinquent youth found that a history of
family violence or abuse is very significant when comparing the differences
between the two groups.
- Over 3 million children are at risk of exposure to parental violence each
year.
- Children see parents put down and strike each other.
- Parents encourage their children to fight back or be bullies.
- Toy guns or other toy weapons are supplied to children.
- Violence is encouraged in competitive sports.
- Violence and sexual aggression are seen as entertainment in TV media, song
lyrics and computer games.
- Exposure to more positive behaviour rather than negative behaviour.
- High self-esteem.
- Involvement with extended family.
- Interaction with those in the community.
- Support from family, teachers and friends.
- Participation of family members in activities that are mutual and
independent.
- A spiritual or religious base with which the child can identify.
- Parents can learn how violence affects children.
- Parents can learn and teach children effective non-violent coping skills.
- Parents can listen to children in order to understand their interpretation
of violent episodes.
- Parents can seek help with issues of violence in the family.
