Impact of Traumatic Violence on Children

This document presents a compilation of research papers and studies related to the impact of traumatic violence on children. The included articles explore various aspects, such as the effects of intimate partner violence, child-to-parent violence, and witnessing domestic violence on children's trauma symptoms and PTSD. Additionally, it touches upon the therapeutic outcomes for children exposed to traumatic violence and the importance of addressing their psychological needs.

THE EFFECTS THAT
WITNESSING DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE HAS ON
CHILDREN

Table of Contents
CHAPTER-1....................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Purpose...................................................................................................................................1
Methodology:.........................................................................................................................2
Aims-......................................................................................................................................4
Objectives-..............................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER-2....................................................................................................................................5
THEORIES......................................................................................................................................5
Social learning theory:............................................................................................................5
Attachment Theory.................................................................................................................6
Trauma theory........................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER-3....................................................................................................................................9
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................9
Witnessing domestic violence as a child................................................................................9
Impact of witnessing violence on the child development between 14-17 years of age.......11
Experiences of growing up with domestic violence.............................................................12
Short term and long term effects of witnessing violence on children..................................14
CHAPTER-4..................................................................................................................................16
DISCUSSION................................................................................................................................16
Strength:...............................................................................................................................17
Limitations:...........................................................................................................................18
Recommendations:...............................................................................................................19
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................20

CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
According to Herman, Violence can be defined as, “use of physical force intentionally
against on someone or a group or person that result either in injury, death or psychological
harm”. Violent acts can be physical, sexual, psychological and emotional. Its causes are
complex and can occur at different levels. Domestic violence plays a tremendous role on
developmental growth and mental stability of children who witnessing the same (Calvete and
Orue, 2013). It involves violence against children, parents, elders and persons live in domestic
setting. It takes a number of forms like mental, verbal, physical, economical, religious and sexual
abuse. An effect of this type of violence on children comes from home, where parents used to
abuse each other. Children who witness it in home, normally believes that they are to be blamed
much, living in fear state as much more than twenty times more like to be victims of child abuse
as stated by Kimball (2016). They can suffer a lot of physical symptoms along with their
behavioural and emotional state of condition. This present report has been prepared on this
which shows how domestic violence impact on children's behaviour and future of them. It has
also discussed here about category of violence and theoretical perspectives which creates much
effects on child.
Purpose
The purpose of choosing this topic “Domestic violence and its effects on children”, is to
enhance conditions of children who are victims. Domestic violence is a devastating issue which
affects individuals around the world (Cisler and et. al., 2012). Children suffer emotional and
psychological harm from impact of living in an area where there is domestic violence growing
up. A researcher has concluded that more than 5 million children between ages of 3-18 are at risk
of exposure to this type of violence every year. Government of the UK, statistically say that
almost 90% of domestic violence cases involve female victims by their male partners (DeHart
and Moran, 2015). So, children of these females also face violence at home. They become
fearful, anxious, unsecure, worthless and powerless. These children always starved for attention,
affection and approval as well as become physically, emotionally and psychologically. As stated
by Itzin, impact of domestic violence on children creates:-
 Aggression, hyperactivity
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 Poor concentration
 Low self-esteem
 Spaced out
 Depression
 Emotionless, etc.
Therefore, main motive to choose this topic is to describe how children and youth are
exposed to domestic violence, the way by which they experience emotional, mental and social
damage (Cleaver and Unell, 2011). In this research, it has also described some problems that
affect children which can be grouped into following categories-
 Behavioural and emotional functioning
 Cognitive functioning and attitudes
 Physical functioning Long term effects
Methodology:
(i)Type of investigation: In order to carry out a research successfully, investigator must
use an appropriate technique. Investigation can be done on a topic in various ways, mainly two
of them are- qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research is used to gain an understanding of
reason behind a topic, opinions and motivations whereas quantitative ones quantifies the problem
by generating numerical data which can be transformed into usable statistics. In qualitative
research data's and information are gather in non numerical form thus give open ended solution
to researcher (Deb and Walsh, 2012). This present report has been investigated on basis of
qualitative method. Aim of this research is to gather an in-depth understanding of human
behaviour and reasons that governs the same. Methods used in this type of investigation are-
interview that may be structured, semi-structured or unstructured, group discussion,
observations, texts, pictures or other materials.
(ii)Research design: It is a set of methods which refers to overall strategy that a
researcher choose to integrate components of the study in a logical way. It represent blueprint for
collection, measurement and analysis of data. It is a framework which has been created to find
solutions of research questions. It can be done in various forms like- descriptive, experimental
and exploratory (DeBoard-Lucas and Grych, 2011). This research design has been taken on
descriptive basis as it provides a data which is flexible and judgemental sampling. In this case of
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study, researcher is mainly concerned with describing the characteristics of an individual or a
group.
(iii)Research Philosophy: It is an important part of research methodology which deals
with the source, nature and development of knowledge in which data should be collected,
analysed and used (Franklin and Kercher, 2012). It can be classified as pragmatism, positivism,
realism and Interpretivistic. Since the present topic is based on in-depth investigation and
qualitative type so, researcher has chosen interpretive type of research philosophy. Interpretive is
a branch of epistemology that focused to the assessment the differences between humans as
social actors i.e. conducting report among people rather than on objects.
(iv)Approaches: Research approach can be divided in three types that are-
 Deductive- It test validity of theories. Thus help to develop research finding in a certain
extent. This theory used when hypothesis is developed already form existing theory. They
start their work with social theory or find compelling and test its implications with
information.
 Inductive- This research approach contributes to the emergence of new theories and
generalization. This approach has usually begins with hypothesis. Researcher has
collecting data's or information and stepping back to get bird's eye view of their data's.
This this theory researcher looks their data's pattern and work out on the theory to explain
pattern.
 Adductive- Research process in this approach is devoted their explanation that starts with
surprising facts. This in theory researcher has collecting data's accordingly to project
needs and wants.
This research has been taken on inductive type in which known premises are used to
generate untestable conclusions. Researcher selecting appropriate research approach accordingly
to their needs and wants and apply them in their research project. Data collected by this approach
is used to explore a physical process, identifying themes and patterns as well as locate these in a
conceptual type of framework. It normally generalize from the specific to general. It does not
involve any hypothesis formulation. Mostly, it starts with questions, purpose and research
objectives which has to achieved during the process.
(v)Data Sampling: It is a statistical analysis technique which is used to select,
manipulate and analyse the data for identifying patterns and trends. Generally it examines the
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large data. Sampling process comprises with defining the population of concern, specifying a set
of events or a frame as well as method use to select it, determine its size and implements the plan
etc. It can be divided in two samples- probabilistic and non-probabilistic. Present research is
based on non-probabilistic sampling method which involves the selection of elements on
assumption basis. It has provided various methodologies like- quota, convenience, purposive and
self-selecting sampling. From which this research is on purposive based sampling where the
units are investigated on judgement of the researcher. It mainly focuses on particular
characteristics of a population that enables to give answer of each research question in a desired
way.
(vi)Data Collection: It is the process of gathering and measuring the desired information.
It is a component of research in all part of a study that includes physical and social sciences,
humanities and business (Gewirtz, DeGarmo and Medhanie, 2011). Data can be collected either
by primary sources or secondary sources. Primary data collected the information using surveys,
experiments or through direct observations which includes various methodologies like
questionnaire, mail or telephonic interviews. On the other hand, secondary data can be obtained
through information collected by censuses like social security and electoral statistics, internet
searches, newspaper, magazine, journals and progress reports. Generally secondary sources
consumes less time as well as cost effectiveness as compared to primary ones. Since this report is
based on original reviews therefore, all data has taken by secondary sources which comes
through literature with the help of newspapers, books, articles, journals and several internal sites
because thus save time and money.
Aims-
“To determine the effects that witnessing Domestic Violence has on children”
Objectives-
 Witnessing domestic violence as a child.
 The Impact of witnessing violence has on child development aged 14-17 years old.
 The experiences of growing up with domestic violence.
 Short term and long term effects that witnessing violence has on children.
Children's are having experience of both long and short term cognitive emotional and
behavioural aspects which are result of domestic violence. Every child is reacting in a very
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different manner towards the trauma while on the other hand some of the children's would be
resilient and they will not experience and kind of negative experience in their ways. The cycle of
violence is known as intergenerational theories and this is the major factor which is considered
while the effects of domestic violence on children.
CHAPTER-2
THEORIES
Social learning theory:
The social theory is related with the theory of social context and learning in which new
concepts and ideas are developed by watching the observations of other people and also making
other behave in the similar ways as it was reflecting to them. Learning is defined as the cognitive
process that are always appearing in the social context and these are always based on the
observations of the people or the direct instructions which are gathered from them on the basis of
analysing the behaviour of others. There is direct reinforcement among people so that they will
know and analyse the behaviour of other people at work places. While analysing the behaviour
of other people it is also required to analyse the behavioural aspects of other people by the
rewards and punishment and the overall process is called as vicarious reinforcement. If the
behaviour of employees are noticed everyday and he is appreciated for his behaviour then in this
case he is most likely to be persist and the behaviour is not appreciated and not liked then person
is demotivated and he is will not be able to perform his operations in desired time frames that
have been allotted to them. In the modern theory the behavioural aspects are also governed by
making rules and regulations which employees had to follow in order to make the organisation
achieve success and growth in their overall ventures. The learning theory states that people learn
from the observations of the other they try to make changes in themselves according to the
behaviour of the person who is in front of them and this result in competition at work places.
This theory is called as the bridge between the cognitive learning theories and also behaviourist
theory as it results in giving attention to the overall aspects and motivate people in order to
achieve their assigned goals and targets so they can easily gain growth and success in their
overall business operations.
The human behaviour learning process, where people learn about different concepts by
analysing the behaviours of other persons in order to make them execute their working according
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to the set plans. The social learning theory states that people grow by learning from others and
this is an important factor which helps them to carry put their working in order to achieve
success in their operations. Social learning is linked with making plans in order to make people
grow up in their business ventures thus they can easily adopt the behaviour of others so they can
easily achieve growth and success in their overall business plans and operations. Social learning
theory can be said as a behaviour which a person acquire from observing things in an around the
world. Learning is a long process which goes through out the period of life and it is considered
that a person learns more in context with social backgrounds. In domestic violence observation is
directly linked with a child because what he/she observe apply that in real life. It is based on
rewards and punishment and it depends upon the behaviour of an individual.
Social learning theory is practised so as to develop the cognitive behaviour in a person.
This provides them with a wide range of learning experience through which they can enhance
their knowledge.
Attachment Theory
This theory is also known as psychological model that are linked with analysing the
relationship between short and long term operations among the human beings. This is not a
general theory which is linked with analysing the relationship among peoples. This factor
analyse how human beings are emotionally linked with one another. If the attachments of
persons are hurt then they are demotivated in their business operations and they will not be able
to achieve success in their ventures. There are differences among individuals about how they are
behaving at the work place because each person is different in their working. If the children's are
emotionally attached then it results in sharing all their experiences which are beneficial in order
to attain the objectives. The concept of attachment is beneficial in order to execute personal
development so that person can easily achieve their set goals and targets in effective and planned
ways. The development of personality is related with making plans by which individual can
achieve success in their ventures. If there is attachment then there had to be higher risk of
security and making attachment with one another so that employees can so their assigned work
in effectual and planned ways. The theory of attachment is related with various concepts and
they had emotional attachment with persons so they can easily gain the concept in order to
achieve success in their ventures. If the team members are emotionally attached with one another
then it result in executing the working as it was assigned to them. Domestic violence is related
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with abuse of other children's but if there is any emotional attachment then there will be less
chances of abuse thus the development of the overall economy. The most valuable factor of
attachment theory is linked with developing relations with children's and this in turn is useful for
emotional and social development of persons so that employees can regulate their emotions and
feeling in order to carry out the overall development of children. The relationships are always
sensitive by nature thus they had to be executed to be emotional nature of the persons. The
children's are emotionally attached with one another thus there had to be strong relationship
developed among them in order to fight against any type of issues which are faced by them. The
presences of sensitive are useful in order to develop emotional attachment among different
family members. Attachment are beneficial for social interactions among persons as they can
easily share all the problems which are faced by them and the solutions can be easily identified
in order to resolve them. There is higher attachment in children's thus they are able to easily
communicate their problems with other persons. The attachment theory is described as the most
dominant theory which are used in today's environment so that children can easily share their
thoughts with other in effectual ways. Family make positive environment in their house so kids
grow in healthy environment and cannot face the health related problem in early age or years. As
people grown this kinds of issues have converted into major difficulty thus cannot solve easily
because in old age or after 20 age their perception and attitude toward situation can not change.
Trauma theory
It is a vast field which is studied by philosophers, literary scholars, historians sand
clinicians as well. This basically includes person who faces problems in their personal life this
could be violence or death. In terms of neurological it can be defined as “Traumatic stress or” in
which stimulus thinks more about a particular thing that builds up stress in their mind due to
which their brain they feel various sensations like psychology numbing, or shutting down of
normal human activities. This plays an important role in performance of an individual who
witnesses domestic violence. It have an adverse effect this can unstable the mental state of a
person. This can harm psychologically and physically as well. An individual may lose trust in
relationships and avoid to meet other persons. These problems can be faced by children who are
between the age of 14 to 17 and its affects can be seen in their personnel life.
These scientific theories are based on careful and rational examination of real facts. Facts
are believed as real and origin things while theories are explanation of scientific reasons.
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Therefore, this file is based on facts and theories of domestic violence which majorly impact on
psychology of persons. Therefore, this report has taken three theories of The Socio-psychological
model i.e. Trauma theory, Attachment theory and Socio learning theory. Because domestic
violence creates many changes in behaviour of persons specially on children of 3 to 14 years.
To cope up with these problems there are many organisations who are working on it.
They are guiding them to become emotionally strong and developing their skills so as to face
issues related to trust. According to Domestic Violence & Mental Health Policy, women who
experiences mental health and lack of physical is generally a result of abuse. If a women feels
abusive or faced domestic problems in the environment where she lives than it will brings fear or
threat, unsecure and lack of safety in her mind. Because of which her child also feel the same and
comes either directly or as witness of domestic violence. Trauma theory has begun to be viewed
this as a potential framework which is used to bridge clinical and advocacy perceptive. This
theory helps in de-stigmatize the mental health consequences that result from domestic violence
through recognising person's response to traumas such as interpersonal violence. It also creates a
framework in understanding how biological, emotional and interpersonal effects of abuse can
lead a person's life to future difficulties (Berns, 2017).
According to Goldstein (2013), it has concluded that Children who face the problem or
experience of complex trauma diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. Children those
survive with these kind of problem can affect their behaviour thus includes sleep disturbances,
learning disability, low self esteem, unhealthy attachments, aggressive in nature and many more.
These all behavioural directly affected children's life experience. Some important points for
development of these kind of children are:
 Family, community, friends and culture has played important role in development of
children. They create impact on their experience and opportunist. Cultural groups have a
particular value, practices and priorities in themselves which create positive impact on
children mind. This groups help to develop learning’s and skills thus effect behaviour of
the child.
 Development has not done in a straight line or evenly. It is a process which take time
and competing in a systematic or sequential manner. The path of development is some
what predictable.
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 Development has done easily in early age. With the time , its create complication for
implementing development plan in young child. The pace of improvement in behaviour
is more speedy in early age or years as compare to any other time of life.
 At the time of born, children play active role in development of their own behaviour and
create impact on others grounding them.
 Generally, physical and mental health effected children development and behaviour.
The minor illness has created short term effective while chronic health conditions can
effect in long period of time.
Every family want to understand their child needs and wants for developing their positive
behaviour toward situation. For this, they watch kids behaviour and find out the negative points
which help to improve child health. Through this theory, child mental health has improved.
There has been much debate within professional counselling as to most effectual standard of
treating children who suffered from abuse. Counsellor use different types of theories and
methods for treatment of childhood abuse and bad experience in life, as they promoting change
and encouraging better life.
According to Gover (2011) it has concluded that in making child development plan, its
very important to consider or understand that all kids learning behaviour as well as development
level are not same, so accordingly they make strategies and plan of development. Children are
very sensitive in nature so its very important to understand their feeling as well as thinking
toward particular situation. Motivation improve self confidence of kids, so its very important for
a counsellor to understand motivation factors of child and develop positive behaviour
accordingly. Every child different in their nature and personality, so family members are
supporting to counsellor for development of kids nature and positivism personality which
provide help to develop physical as well as mental health of child.
CHAPTER-3
LITERATURE REVIEW
Witnessing domestic violence as a child
The government of the country defines domestic violence as the controlling, coercive and
threatening behaviour upon the intimate partners and individuals in the family. The impact this
abuse can lead to have a psychological, physical and sexual impact on the concerned person. In
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context of the country it has been identified as a major issue as 20% of aggregate children
witness domestic violence in their families.
According to views of Black (2011), it has concluded that it does not really matter in
what form it emerges but It is persistent in the society. The controlling and abusive behaviour
have emerged to develop a pattern in which an abuser tries to exercise his control over the
victim. These patterns emerges into a bad shape with time and tend to do more harm to the
victim if goes unreported. There is no specified time to begin abuse of a person and can start at
any time. Domestic abuse does not discriminate on the basis of caste, colour, ethnicity and
gender. However it has been identified that a large share of domestic abuse can be seen in men
dominating women.
The use of controlling and threatening behaviour tends to impact the upbringing of child
in the worst possible manner. It carries a direct and indirect impact on the behaviour of a child.
The justification for the same is that there is referred to as a strong correlation domestic
behaviour and child abuse with overlap rates of approximately 40-60%. the children who are
exposed to the Intimate partner violence (IPV) tend to create a unfavourable environment for
them and are exposure to the same will lead to child maltreatment. It has been identified that
children who has witnessed domestic abuse tend to have higher rates of IPV when they are
grown up. The secondary outcomes of witnessing domestic violence are anxiety, depression and
traumatic stress symptoms. However the government Is making maximum efforts with the STOP
IPV programme so that vulnerabilities of the child can be preserved and protected so that they
are able to lead an ideal lifestyle.
According to view of Buzawa, Buzawa and Stark (2011), it has concluded that child
maltreatment is referred to as major outcome of the domestic abuses. It directly relates to
inability of a parent or a caretaker to provide right care and attention to their child. The youngest
children who have witnessed are around age of 2 years. Such cases lead practising violence and
aggression when they become adult. These situations tend to take place more at home rather than
at public places. The witnessing of domestic abuse can also be stated as child abuse. It taking
place with the four walls of the home makes it extremely difficult to identify and abuser are
provided with opportunity to behave in different manner in public. The major symptoms which
assist in identification are aggression, antisocial behaviour and failure to perform well in studies.
Parent have often underestimated affects of domestic abuse in children but them witnessing can
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alter their behaviour in an upside-down manner. The government has recognised children
witnessing as 'Significant harm'. Parent needs to focus on providing a stable and safe
environment from physical and mental tortures so that a child is able to grow. The effects of this
violence can be ascertained in adulthood of an individual as well. Child illustrating unusual
behaviour must be consulted and provided with a productive environment so that he/she is able
to grow in the best possible manner. Therefore it can be ascertained that parents and family
members presenting violent behaviour can leave a life-long impact on the child witnessing the
same.
Impact of witnessing violence on the child development between 14-17 years of age
This is referred to as most difficult phase in the life of a child. During this adolescence
stage a child needs maximum amount of care and guidance so that he is able to turn himself into
a ideal person. The parents discovers various challenged which are to be encountered by them
and develop a child. The changes in the physical and emotional domain are carried out during
adolescent phase exclusively. The manner in which they think and interact will be redefined
along with physical development. The maturity amongst children will be developed so that there
are lesser conflicts with colleagues and parents. Emotionally they are a lot vulnerable and feel
sad and depressed a lot due to reasons such as poor grades, drugs and unsafe sex and numerous
other problems. The mentioned reasons are enough to state the role which has been played by the
parents in upbringing of a child. The child witnessing violence can be impacted in the worst
possible manner in this vulnerable stage.
According to Stark (2011), it has concluded that adolescent in this age group are more
exposed to the violence when compared with adults. The unfavourable climate which are
experienced carries a long lasting impacts on the life of young children. Major ways through
which a child depict domestic abuse are alteration of behaviour, anxiety and depression. There
are variety of health related behaviour which are to be addressed. Another alarming fact in this
age group is that it is cause of death of teens through motor vehicle accidents, homicides and
suicides.
The violence which has been encountered by the children disrupt ideal development of
brain of a child. Areas of brain such as amygdala, hippocampus and cortex are impacted
adversely when a child is under stress. The major functions which are to be carried out by the
brain such as planning, focusing and control are affected as well when a child is not provided
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with safer and productive environment to grow. The ability to learn and interact which is at its
prime gets severely damaged when a child is witnessing aggressive and violent behaviour in the
family. The major outcomes when a child is exposed to unfavourable climate leads to binge
drinking, suicide and physical fights. This is a consequence when a parent fails to provide a right
environment for an adolescent to grow.
According to views of Berkowitz, Stover and Marans (2011) it has concluded that the
study conducted in the year 2014 identified that over 37% of the children are affected with the
violence which has been carried out in the schools, homes and communities. The study defines
that over 50% of the children in the country have been exposed to violent behaviour in one form
or the another. When comparing with other age groups, children in the age group of 14-17 carries
highest percentage of witnessing violence which stands at 37%. the severity and the impact
which of such behaviour gets worse with age. Physical and emotion torture is comparatively less
in older children when compared with adolescent. The children in the age group are victimised
on the sexual front as well along with physical and emotional assault. However there lies
discrimination in this approach such as male adults are recorded to be more victims of assaults
when compared with female adolescents. The percentage in male children stands at 56% when
compared with female who stood at 47%. The government have been working in this field to
reduce the physical assaults and sexual violence which is encountered by the adults. The another
approaches which are to be employed are the guidance to the first-time mothers, better education
and family support so that a child is developed physically and emotionally in the best possible
manner.
Experiences of growing up with domestic violence
According to views of Baglivio and et. al., (2014) it is evaluated that experiences are
defined to be the occurrences which leaves an impact upon person. There are numerous instance
in the life of a person which leaves a mark upon the life of the person. The experience can be
productive or disruptive. The experiences of child growing up with domestic violence tends to be
more disruptive. It hinders the ideal growth which is to be attained by a child in crucial years of
his life. The environment which is offered to them is unfavourable and unpredictable when
compared with their requirements. The trauma which is encountered by them tend to be full of
anxiety and tension.
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The experience of a person residing with father who is tend to be more physically
aggressive and emotionally volatile tends to be more miserable when related to others. The
adversities which are encountered by a child fails to find help with which they are able to deal
with the situation in the best possible manner. It is essential for the concerned to provide them
with the environment in which they are able to let go off their past encounters and are able to
prosper. It is very important for the victim to seek help from the concerned department and
government so that they are possessed with a secure future. The children who carries this
traumatic experience tend to worry about their future and tend to protect their younger siblings
from this encounter. Children face or receive negative experience when they grow in unhealthy
environment which occur due to domestic violence. So they feel demotivated thus effect on their
life and surrounding. Family play important role in kids life and they contributing their efforts
toward development of child in a positive way. It’s very important for an counsellor to
understand clients house environment and then take appropriate action to solve the issues.
Experience has came from school and community of kids which effect of behaviour as well as
thinking process.
The experience of children with physical and emotional abuse tends to leave a mark upon
life of a person. A child encountering domestic violence directs its efforts in building a future
that tend to be more secure and safe. When member of the family such as mother and siblings are
threatened on a potential level it makes a child more fearful to circumstances which he may
encounter in the near future. The conflict and violence which is practices by the parents are tend
to be overheard by the children and create a long lasting impact upon them. When a marriage
doesn't work out, parents separate their ways which further encourages a fight over custody of
child. This experience leads a child to be more socially inactive due to the consequences of his
parents marriage. The level of impact is determine the extent to which a child is exposed to such
behaviour of their parents. The age of the child determines the level of vulnerability that he
possess. A child in adolescent stage tend to impacted most as it is referred to as stage of
nourishment. It is not only confined to the internal environment of the home, the external factors
such as poverty, community violence, abuse and mental illness are amongst the major causes
which directs towards attaining an unfavourable experience. The child own mechanism to deal
with such circumstances lead to ascertaining of impact.
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The experience of a child with domestic violence can also become a learned behaviour.
The child when grown up can carry out such behaviour thinking that it is normal to continue
such behaviour in his own family. It is mentioned to as one of the major cause of intimate partner
violence. The family or parents which going through a difficult time should consider guidance
and counselling so that better future for the child can be ascertained. So its very important to
understand kids environment where they receive experience of life and make appropriate action
accordingly to needs and wants of child. Very family analyse their kids environment and modify
it with positive image. Therefore it is very important for parents to consider their behaviour in
front of their children so that they are able to carry out a less traumatic and stressful life.
Short term and long term effects of witnessing violence on children
Growing with an experience of domestic violence can be one of the most traumatic
experience for a child. The child will remember such experience for his whole life. The children
in the age group of 3-17 are more prone to risks of the domestic violence due to their
vulnerability. Witnessing can be in the form of seeing, hearing and observing parents in carrying
out their conduct. It carries a major impact on the physical and emotional concept of a child.
Long Term effects: When the children are tormented on for a longer period of time they
tend to suffer on the long term effects of the domestic violence on the emotional and physical
domain. They are not provided with an environment which lead to ideal development of a child.
The children are prone to adapt behaviour which is more powerful and are raised to be more
aggressive and violent when compared with others. When a child sees family members being
mistreated they learn that this is the right manner to overcome an issue.
It has become extremely important for the authorities to proactively respond to the
trauma and violence which is being practised in the society. It has been believed by the
authorities that children are forgetful and get over such instances after a period of time. This is
not true such instances carry a long lasting impact upon the life of children. When a member in
the family is abused it tend to influence the growth the child in that environment. The hurt and
the violence encountered by a person for instance mother will have a direct severe impact on the
child as well. The feeling of guilt arises in the child as he is not able to overcome the situation
and help the person who is suffering. The suffering of the member of family will reduce amount
of attention which is paid to child and leave him to be neglected. The children in the age group
of 6-15 are the most affected due to domestic abuse which is encountered by them. Such
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encounters lead to development of behaviour problems in child such as juvenile, alcohol and
substance abuse. The major impacts which can be experienced by a child on emotional level
results in depression, anxiety and PTSD.
They are not able to make friends and possess suicidal tendencies when fully grown up.
The excessive of depression may lead to higher absent rate in schools which directly impacts
quality of their future. When it comes to solving their persisting problem they feel it is fair to use
physical and emotional torture to overcome the same. It has been seen that children who have
grew up in the unfavourable environment tend to be more drug and alcohol abusers. They have
been associated with practising violent as home as well. The various scholars who have been
studying domestic violence have stated that crime can be associated with this feature as well. The
violence at home or community to which a child is exposed to leads to criminal activities. The
basic needs of a child in terms of love, comfort, warmth and education which helps in raising an
ideal adult.
Short Term effects: Along with long term impacts there are also immediate affects which
are experienced by a person. The exposure and intensity determines the level in which kids are
surviving with physical as well as mental health problem. So that its very important to solve or
given treatment to child which help to them come out these short term effects. Witnessing create
Effect on infants as well as toddlers. Some effects of witnessing infants are failure of thrive,
frequent illness, low weight, no appetite, startles easily, sleeping problem, need to attachment is
disrupted, irritability, sadness, anxiety, cries excessively, screaming and many more. Some
effects of witnessing on toddlers are separation of anxiety, lock feeling of safety, insomnia,
regressive behaviour and many more.
Children may have wide variety of reaction and feeling toward domestic violence in their
house. They cannot understand the meaning of abuse, but they feel something wrong in their
environment as well as in surrounding which effective their behaviour toward situation. Some
time they blame to themselves for the situation and feeling guilty, worry and anxiety. Thus
effective their mental health. In the age range of 14 to 17 children are young and they have not
able to express their feeling and thinking verbally in front of others. So they survive with
emotional behaviour problem. They may become non verbal, withdrawn and regressed behaviour
such as whining and clinging. Statistical show that kids who face the problem of domestic
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violence between their parents they are carry out violent behaviour in themselves. They can not
suffer with any type of physically injury but face the problem of mental dissatisfaction.
CHAPTER-4
DISCUSSION
This present report has been discussing on serious topic that is- Domestic violence and its
impact on children. Domestic violence can be defined as misuse of power of ones over others or
to abuse them which include physical, sexual, financial, emotional and psychological type. It has
described about children who are exposed to this type of violence at home suffer with many
issues. A child of age between 3-5 or 14-17 affects much by domestic violence. This report
mainly focuses on children in 14-17years old. Personality and behavioural problems among this
age group of children can takes forms of psychometric problems, mental illness, depression or
either suicidal tendencies. Also in future, these children are at greater risk for criminal
behaviourism. They become more violent, aggressive and abusive.
Domestic violence takes place in a home having closed doors but effects of it come
throughout the society. One in 10 among children today are exposed to this type of violence.
Witnessing this violence is a trauma-related experience that is to see or hear a family person
being threatened or beaten by other one can burst sense of safety and security in children also
brings consequences in long-term behaviour of them. Laws under domestic violence apply to
adults and minors related by blood, adoption, marriage or an intimate relationship. It affects
brain development of children. They are likely to be exposed to violence and crime as compare
to them who are not facing domestic violence. Whether a child is victim or witness, his
experience of violence can lead to lasting physical, mental or emotional harm. They have
suffered much from attachment problems, regressive, anxiety and obsessive type of behaviour.
Some health related problem like academic and cognitive problems are also associated with the
same experiences.
In UK, government make rule and regulation to stop domestic violence in their country.
Legislation makes clear guidance of represent an offence against kids and states appropriate
sentences. Some important legislation of UK government are “Serious Crime Act 2015 section
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76: this act include coercive or controlling child behaviour in an friendly manner or family
relation”. “Domestic Violence, victims and crime act 2004: allowing or exploit serious physical
harm on kids and vulnerable adult”. “Adoption and Children act 2002 section 120: deterioration
suffered form hearing and seeing the ill treatment of another. So, government are implementing
these all laws and regulation in current environment for improvement in child mental health as
well as their behaviour. When environment of the house is not positive then they create
negativity in their surrounding persons as well as child action. So that is parents responsibilities a
make healthy environment in their home and give persona care to their kids which enhancing
their activity as well as thinking.
Main purpose of this study was to investigate and examine effects of domestic violence
on children as well as on his future. This research had attempted to expose causes, kinds and
culprit of this violence against children. It has also shown how it negatively affects victims. The
report used qualitative paradigms in which data was collected through primary and secondary
both. Primary source uses questionnaire and oral interviews to collect data, on the other hand,
secondary data collected through literature reviews. It has depicted that children faces domestic
violence in long run, harm in learning process also. This research adds knowledge to the
awareness of domestic violence and its effects on children who are either direct victim or
witnessed.
Strength:
This research aims to strengthen the present topic on unique and combined effects of
exposure of child abuse and domestic violence in adolescence. It has studied that children can
exhibit a variety of psychological problems that includes anxiety and depression also self-esteem
and social withdrawal. Below are some potential long-term consequences faced by children
when they exposed to domestic violence-
 When children witnessing violence again and again then its brings aggression in their
behaviour. They grow up by thinking that violence is an appropriate strategy, that can
be used to overcome from stress as well as mediating a disagreement. At their
adolescent age, they become much aggressive and have violent and criminal behaviour.
 Children who exposed in such a environment are also at risk for taking drugs or alcohol
as they exhibit higher level of anger, hostility and social withdrawal.
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 They are more likely to have suicidal thoughts to cope with emotional pain of domestic
violence. Guilt and shame type of feelings has generated in them as they feel to be
unable in helping or stopping such type of violence at home.
 Physical health of these victims also comes down as they grow up. They are at high risk
for heart diseases, distressful, autoimmune disorders and cancer.
 They are also at risk in learning problems. As worrying about safety of own or others
who are also exposed to the same brings awakens at night can affect his ability to do
well in learning also.
 By seeing parents or other family members in a violent mood, a child become
distrustful.
Thus, violence witnessing on children has negative significant consequences on their
behaviour and mental health as well as on the likelihood of engaging in aggressive and anti-
socialism.
Limitations:
For any research conducting on a topic will have some limitations that directly relate to
study problems. Research limitations in a dissertation may relate to the following:-
 Formulation of aims and objectives of research- To increase level of focus of the study, a
researcher must specifies the ways in which formulation of his topic aims and objectives
can be narrowed. This report has based on domestic violence which might have
formulated its objectives too broadly, which a researcher should specified to be narrowed
if possible.
 Implementation of data collection methodologies- As much part of data collected from
secondary source so, there is a greater chance of nature of implementation to be flawed.
 Size of sample- Depending upon nature of research topic sample size can be determined,
which can generate better or accurate result if it is large. But importance of it can be seen
greater in quantitative data as compared to qualitative type. This report has taken on
qualitative basis, so it has created a limitations of this report in this manner.
 Lack of existing studies in same research area- In a report, its main part consists the
literature review, as it helps a researcher to investigate scope of his work which have
been done so far in area of research. Literature review findings are to used as the
foundation for a researcher that helps to achieve objectives of his research. As this report
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has chosen on domestic violence and its effects, so a researcher can find many reviews of
it in literature but all are not much evolving the good result. Discussion's scope- This research report has mainly focused on children at youth age. It
has described the effects of domestic violence on children and their behaviour at
adolescent age. So it has suggested that this report should include effects of such type of
violence on younger children having age of 3-8 years also, as they are more risk on
psychological problems.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above report that child witnessing domestic violence tends
to create a significant impact upon the upbringing of a child. The children ranging in the age
group are known to influence a lot by observing and witnessing violent behaviour of parents of
family members. The violence does not needed to be in the physical form as it can take place in
emotional, economical, sexual and religious manner. It is an untouched subject which was
required to be brought under the spotlights to that parents are aware of the impacts it leaves upon
growing children. There is a mention of numerous theories of such as social learning, trauma and
attachment theory. These theories are employed in case of domestic violence so that behaviour of
a person is inclined in the right direction. The social theory states that people learn and develop
with their observation of environment surrounding. The behaviour of people around constitutes
as important which assists in modifying behaviour of child. The emotional aspects of relationship
are evaluated by the attachment theory. The attachment of a child with his parents determines the
behaviour of a child and learning is achieved through this manner exclusively. Therefore it is
very essential to share a strong emotional bond so that they can be developed in best way
possible. Whereas trauma theory takes into consideration the behaviour of a child while
witnessing violent activities. The nervous system of the person and manner it deals with the
stressors determines it state of development.
It has been identified that portraying of controlling and violent carries a deep impact upon
the functioning of a child. There is an direct relation between intimate partner violence and child
abuse. The maltreatment of a child results from unfavourable climate with the family or at home.
The adolescent phase of child is identified to be most critical if a parent fails to guide its child he
is bound to be a victim of alcohol and drug abuse. Situation of stress which is encountered by a
child tend to be create a severe impact upon development of brain. The exposure of children to
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such behaviour carries a negatively impact on the upbringing on physical and emotional grounds.
Going through the torture while growing up tends to create a long and short term affects upon
functioning of a child. The time for which horrors have been encountered leads to determination
of effects which emerges. The outcomes are emergences of suicidal tendencies, depression and
difficulty in making friends. For the short term a child may encounter loss of appetite, sleeping
problems and illness. Therefore it is essential for the parents or guardian to recognise these
symptoms and opt for counselling or therapy so that stature of child could be improved.
Recommendations:
Problems of domestic violence, child maltreatment and abuse have generated several
interventions in health, social services and law enforcement settings. These interventions
constitute a wide range institutional services that mainly concern on identifications, treatment,
prevention and deterrence of family violence which have been driven due to urgency of different
types domestic violence and responses of service providers. This report has recommended that
society and government must aware of domestic violence and its effects on children. They must
try to reduce it as much as possible. Domestic violence against family members, women and
children in developing countries is budding as a serious concern for World Health Organisation.
WHO defines it as, “ range of sexual, psychological and physical coercive acts used against
children and women of young and adolescent by a family member”.
Sanna,
There is some good material in the above draft but there are some issues that you must address.
Firstly, the issue of referencing. You absolutely must give me the places where the above has all
been taken from. You must explain why you have chosen the specific theories and not others.
Did you think they were the most relevant – why? There needs to not only be a veruy sound
base for all of the data (references) but then some discussion from you – your own comments
based on your analysis and evaluation of what you have read.
20

Finally, please get someone to proof read the entire script as there are some grammatical issues
that need to be sorted out. The LDU might have time to see you, if not then a good friend may
be able to help.
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