Domestic Violence
Running head: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: EFFECTS ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Abstract
Children’s developmental outcomes are compromised when a child is exposed to domestic violence (Wolfe, Crooks, Lee, McIntyre-Smith, & Jaffe, 2003). Children suffer adverse effects from experiencing trauma by verbal and physical behaviors directed at them and by witnessing it (English, Marshall, & Stewart, 2003). It is also shown that children’s social, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and general health functions are affected negatively from exposure to domestic violence. Studies began in the late 1980’s to determine the effects of violence on children and shows that children exposed to violence have significant and measurable, negative functioning when compared to a nonviolent family. Plus, children’s social competence, school achievement, cognitive functioning, and psychopathology are compromised and their normal development is effected both short and long-term. Studies also reveal that different types of violence effect children differently and some children may have more adverse reactions to what they have been exposed to (Wolfe, Crooks, Lee, McIntyre-Smith, & Jaffe, 2003). Age and gender of a child and family situational factors also determine the severity of adverse reactions to the violence (English, Marshall, & Stewart, 2003). Children who receive appropriate interventions soon after the traumatic event are more likely to suffer fewer side effects (Osofsky, 2004). Domestic Violence: Effects on Children
Development of Domestic Violence
The issue of violence has developed throughout the years, back to Western society. Women had been viewed as property of their husbands and their husbands were free to do what they willed. When a man hit his wife, society would look the other way. They viewed it as a way of discipline and did not question it. It was assumed that there was a good reason for a woman to be hit and that it was a consequence from her actions. “The courts ruled
Abstract
Children’s developmental outcomes are compromised when a child is exposed to domestic violence (Wolfe, Crooks, Lee, McIntyre-Smith, & Jaffe, 2003). Children suffer adverse effects from experiencing trauma by verbal and physical behaviors directed at them and by witnessing it (English, Marshall, & Stewart, 2003). It is also shown that children’s social, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and general health functions are affected negatively from exposure to domestic violence. Studies began in the late 1980’s to determine the effects of violence on children and shows that children exposed to violence have significant and measurable, negative functioning when compared to a nonviolent family. Plus, children’s social competence, school achievement, cognitive functioning, and psychopathology are compromised and their normal development is effected both short and long-term. Studies also reveal that different types of violence effect children differently and some children may have more adverse reactions to what they have been exposed to (Wolfe, Crooks, Lee, McIntyre-Smith, & Jaffe, 2003). Age and gender of a child and family situational factors also determine the severity of adverse reactions to the violence (English, Marshall, & Stewart, 2003). Children who receive appropriate interventions soon after the traumatic event are more likely to suffer fewer side effects (Osofsky, 2004). Domestic Violence: Effects on Children
Development of Domestic Violence
The issue of violence has developed throughout the years, back to Western society. Women had been viewed as property of their husbands and their husbands were free to do what they willed. When a man hit his wife, society would look the other way. They viewed it as a way of discipline and did not question it. It was assumed that there was a good reason for a woman to be hit and that it was a consequence from her actions. “The courts ruled