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Violence During Childhood and Adolescence

When a child is born he or she is completely dependent on their caregivers to teach them about what it means to be a human being. Children need to develop close attachments with a parent who they can trust to take care of their every need. If a child is not properly stimulated and cared for, they will grow to see the world as a cold and uninviting place. Parents are disengaged with their children; while victims are often solely concerned with self-survival and abusers focusing on maintaining control and power, children are left behind. Children develop low self-esteem, engaging in sibling violence and anti-social behavior. If there is a constant violence in their life, they can develop behavior problems and health issues in response to their environment. Behaviors and health issues include:

Behaviors & Health Issues:

• Abuse drugs/alcohol
• Aggression/anger/hostility
• Belief in rigid stereotypes and gender privilege
• Clinging to parents or teachers
• Depression
• Eating problems
• Engage in delinquent behavior
• Feeling responsible for the family
• Fear and anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Poor conflict resolution skills
• Poor peer, sibling and social relationships
• Poor school performance
• Running away from home
• Sleeping problems (bed wetting & nightmares)

The sooner the child is away from the violence, the sooner they can begin a healing process. The Marjaree Mason Center has a variety of classes, facilities, and individuals who are dedicated to helping children through this healing process. If you and your family, or the family of a loved one is experiencing domestic violence call Marjaree Mason Center’s 24 hour confidential hotline at 559.233.HELP (4357).

Domestic Violence & Children

Parents play a large role in a child’s physical, educational, and social-emotional development. An influential factor in all aspect of a child’s development is the quality and frequency of parent-child interactions. Children’s development depends heavily on positive emotional support and consistent and stable routine with a primary caregiver.

Children exposed to domestic violence face increased risk of abuse and neglect. Exposure to traumatic events in the home have, often negative, life-changing effects.

When the primary caregiver of a child is a victim of domestic violence they are more likely to form insecure attachments (i.e. love bonds) to parents; which are important given they provide children with a model for intimate relationships between peers and romantic partnerships in adulthood.

Dynamics in a household with domestic violence:

• Control of family by one dominant member

• Isolation

• Protecting the “family secret”

• Watching the abuse of a parent

How to end a generational cycle of violence:

Unfortunately, the cycle of domestic violence often continues. Exposure to violence produces prolonged stress that can permanently alter brain development and can have dramatic effects on physical, social-emotional, and educational development.

Create loving and positive relationships with children that promote healthy development.

Counseling helps children cope with their fears and feelings

Call authorities for help, or reach out to a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker, or seek help from the Marjaree Mason Center.

Domestic violence has many significant effects on children that can hinder their development for the rest of their lives. It is necessary to keep children safe and away from any sort of domestic violence situation. If you and your family, or the family of a loved one is experiencing domestic violence call Marjaree Mason Center’s 24 hour confidential hotline at 559.233.HELP (4357).