Written by U.S Immigration News Tuesday, 18 March 2014 04:09
Family violence creates a home environment where children live in constant fear and anxiety. Experts believe that children who witness family violence are affected in ways similar to children who are themselves physically abused. They are often unable to establish nurturing and healthy bonds with either parents. Contrary to what some mothers in abusive relationships might chose to believe, children are at greater risk for abuse and neglect if they continue to live in a violent home. Over 3 million children in America witness violence in their home each year. Those who see and hear violence in the homesuffer physically and emotionally. Recent research indicates that children who witness domestic violence show more anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and anger and temperament problems than children who do not witness violence in the home. The trauma these children experience can show up in emotional, behavioral, social and physical disturbances that affect their development and can continue into adulthood. (For more information visit: www.acdv.org)
Domestic violence can severely impair a parent's ability to nurture the healthy development of her children. Mothers who are abused may be depressed or preoccupied with the violence. This causes them to sometimes become impaired when having to take decision regarding their children and their own safety. These women may be emotionally withdrawn, numb, and irritable or bear feelings of hopelessness. The result can be a parent who is less emotionally available to her children or unable to care for her children's basic needs. This poses a problem in several areas of healthy childhood development. When children cannot depend on their parents or caregivers - for emotional support and for practical support - their development can be seriously delayed or, in severe cases, permanently distorted. (For more information visit: www.findcounseling.com).
Men who are batterers also suffer adverse effects. These men tend to be very insecure, have very few strong relationships in the community or with other men. These men sometimes seem to be successful yet they lack the social skills to develop long-term friendships. They are also threatened by any relationships, sometimes even with family, that the women in their lives might have. Extreme jealousy and control is their way of dealing with their insecurity. Battering fathers also pose a threat to the proper development of their children, even if they do not physically harm their children. The fact that they are the perpetrators of family violence can often cause children to live in resentment, fear and hatred of their fathers. Battering fathers are less affectionate, less available, and less rational in dealing with their children and have very poor relationships with them.
Domestic violence impacts us all; whether it occurs in our own homes or not. Just as the case of Adolf Hitler, children who are products of domestic violence are taught that aggression is the only way to solve problems. To begin to resolve this social crisis we must begin with the family:
1. We need to inculcate in our boys and girls that violence is never the solution to problems.
2. We need to empower our women to feel safe enough to look for help.
3. We need to teach our men how to end the cycle of violence.