It isn’t just women and men that are affected by domestic abuse – children suffer too.

In the UK, children witness around three quarters of the abusive incidents happening in their homes.

Around half the children affected have themselves been badly hit or beaten – or are the victims of sexual or emotional abuse, according to the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The UK’s leading domestic violence charity, Women’s Aid, believes that all children witnessing domestic abuse are being emotionally abused.

The effects of witnessing domestic abuse

Younger children may experience:

• Anxiety
• Tummy aches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Bed-wetting
• Temper tantrums

Older children

Older boys tend to express their distress outwardly, for example:

• By becoming aggressive and disobedient
• They may try to use violence to solve problems
• They may start using alcohol or drugs or play truant from school

Girls are more likely to keep their distress inside, for example:

• they may become anxious, withdrawn and depressed
• They may think badly of themselves and complain of vague physical symptoms
• They are more likely to develop an eating disorder or to self-harm.

Children witnessing domestic abuse often do badly at school, so teachers have a real part to play in recognising and raising awareness of domestic abuse.

In addition, children can experience post-traumatic stress disorder and suffer symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks.

Children who witness domestic abuse won’t necessarily grow up to be victims or abusers themselves – many children don’t like what they see and try very hard not to make the same mistakes as their parents. However, they can grow up anxious and depressed and may copy the behaviour of their parents – making it essential for children to get the support they need.

How can you help?

Parents and anyone working with children should make sure they’re fully aware of domestic abuse and its effect on children – and should make sure they’re available for children to talk to.

Make sure information specifically aimed at children is available in schools and other places attended by children such as leisure centres.

For more information:

Download: Factsheet – Domestic Abuse and its effects on children PDF Format

Download: UK Government Report: Providing support for children who have witnessed domestic violence PDF Format

Download: Women’s Aid ‘Expect Respect’ Educational Toolkit (a toolkit for teachers and anyone working with children – including voluntary and community groups).

Visit: www.thehideout.org.uk (a website for children affected by domestic abuse developed by Women’s Aid)

Visit: www.hiddenhurt.co.uk (a website for parents and other adults working with children affected by domestic abuse)