What does domestic violence teach children?
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Domestic violence is a private matter that has been brought into the public eye much in part to the NFL and the poor decisions of some football players. Many of us have heard the story about Ray Rice's wife and about their troubled marriage. Much of the talk about domestic violence is usually spent discussing what the parents are experiencing and although this is important, I ask "what about the kids?" Many people do not realize how domestic violence impacts a child's physical, mental and emotional development.
By witnessing domestic violence a child can learn.....
that hitting or yelling at others is an appropriate way of communicating
hitting or yelling equals respect
by hitting or yelling other people listen to you
physical strength is more important than anything else
to have difficulty trusting other adults and parents
to fight peers at school and break things at home
that a foundation for a relationship is fighting
in all relationships someone must be submissive
physical strength is emotional strength
that all men or women are violent (depending on who is the abuser)
the poor ability to cope with stress or anxiety
the poor ability to resolve problems without fighting or arguing
to have low self esteem related to self blame for the domestic violence
to be afraid when other people are yelling around the
to hide their problems in the face of fear
to not trust mom and dad since they can barely trust themselves
to be insecure with themselves and others
and that all adults are violent people
Domestic violence is violence against a family unit, everyone is impacted. Children are very much affected by what they see and hear at home. A simple verbal argument among adults can start a downward spiral in their young minds. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence relationship, I ask that you please find help, maybe not for yourself but definitely for your children.
