These beliefs are not only incorrect, but potentially dangerous, as the fact of the matter is that children who experience domestic violence — even those who are never directly abused themselves — suffer major consequences as a result, nonpareilonline.com wrote.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study — a joint study by Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — is just one tool which offers proof of the detrimental effects of abuse on children. The study, which gathers information by using a simple 10-question quiz, asks about various traumas experienced in one’s childhood.
After the questionnaire is complete, the numbers from each question are then added together to indicate levels of risk for resulting negative repercussions.
For example, the higher a person’s ACE score, the more likely they are to experience a range of negative effects from the trauma they experienced in childhood.
The ACE study found that children who are exposed to domestic violence, whether they are a primary or secondary victim, are likely to experience many difficulties — emotional, mental, social, and even physical — as a result of the abuse.
These children are more apt to struggle in school and in building healthy relationships with other children; they are also at a greater risk of developing mental and emotional illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
They are more likely to abuse alcohol and other substances later in life, as well as engage in high-risk behaviors. There is even evidence that children impacted by abuse are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, or cancer later in life.
It is undeniable that domestic violence can have life-altering effects on a child, but that doesn’t mean the child can’t successfully cope with and recover from it.
Studies show that having at least one healthy, loving relationship with a trusted adult can greatly increase a child’s chance of recovery and well-being later in life, despite having suffered abuse.
Another helpful tool available to children is talk or play therapy. These structured, healthy interactions will provide an outlet for the child as well as help them process and work through any trauma they’ve experienced.
Although violence can have severe negative consequences for a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, it remains a fact that children are resilient and, with the appropriate guidance and assistance, can go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives.