Children in homes where violence is seen may feel fearful and anxious. This can cause them to react in different ways, depending on their age:
Young children who witness violence may start doing things they used to do when they were younger, such as increased crying, and whining. They may also develop difficulty falling or staying asleep; show signs of terror, such as stuttering or hiding;
These are short term effects of witnessing violence.
Next Steps
You can help your children by:
Helping them feel safe. Children who witness or experience domestic violence need to feel safe.
Talking to them about their fears. Let them know that it’s not their fault or your fault.
Talking to them about healthy relationships. Help them learn from the abusive experience by talking about what healthy relationships are and are not. This will help them know what is healthy when they start relationships of their own.
Talking to them about boundaries. Let your child know that no one has the right to touch them or make them feel uncomfortable, including family members, teachers, coaches, or other authority figures.
Helping them find a reliable support system. In addition to a parent, this can be a school counselor, a therapist, or another trusted adult who can provide ongoing support.
Getting them professional help.