Effects on Children

In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are at a high risk of suffering physical and other types of abuse themselves. Regardless of whether children are physically abused, the emotional effects of witnessing domestic violence are very similar to the psychological trauma associated with being a victim of child abuse. Each year, an estimated minimum of 3.3 million children witness emotional, physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

• 70% of men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children.
• Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average in the general population.
• A major study of more than 900 children at battered women's shelters found that nearly 70% of the children were themselves victims of physical abuse or neglect. Nearly half of the children had been physically or sexually abused. Five percent had been hospitalized due to the abuse. However, only 20% had been identified and served by Child Protective Services prior to coming to the shelter. The same study found that the male batterer most often abused the children, in about one-fourth of the cases both parents abused the children, and in a few instances only the mother.
• Children in homes where domestic violence occurs may "indirectly" receive injuries. They may be hurt when household items are thrown or weapons are used. Infants may be injured if being held by their mother when the batterer strikes out.
• 62% of sons over the age of 14 were injured when attempting to protect their mothers from attacks by abusive male partners.
• Approximately 90% of children are aware of the violence directed at their mother.
• Children who witness domestic violence show the same signs as children who are physically abused.