Content Warning: This post contains discussions of domestic violence and child abuse.
In a recent study examining a national sample of American children, alarming statistics shed light on the pervasive issue of children being exposed to domestic violence within communities. Shockingly, over a year, 60 percent of children have been exposed to violence, crime, or abuse in various settings such as their homes, schools, and communities. Even more distressing is the revelation that almost 40 percent of children were direct victims of two or more violent acts, with one in ten experiencing violence five or more times. Sadly, children are disproportionately affected by violence and crime compared to adults, as nearly one in ten witnessed a family member assaulting another, and over 25 percent have been exposed to family violence during their lifetime. These findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, intervention, and support to protect the well-being of our nation’s children.
Factors that increase children’s risk of being exposed to violence include:
- Age: Older children are exposed to more serious forms of violence and are more likely to be victims of multiple kinds of violence
- Gender: Boys are exposed to higher rates of physical assault than girls. Girls are exposed to higher rates of sexual victimization than boys.
- Race and ethnicity: Overall lifetime rates of exposure to violence are higher among black and Native American adolescents.
- Family structure: Children who do not live with both biological parents are at increased risk of exposure to violence, especially for experiencing physical and sexual assault perpetrated by a family member and witnessing domestic and community violence.
- Family alcohol problems/drug use: Risk of exposure to violence and risk of experiencing multiple victimization episodes was higher when family alcohol problems or drug use were present.
- Intimate partner violence: Children from families where intimate partner violence was present had an increased risk of subsequent child maltreatment victimization.
- Peer delinquency: Children who associate with more deviant or delinquent peers in one year are at higher risk for exposure to community violence in the next year.
- Prior Victimization: Children who experienced one type of victimization in the past year had double or even triple the risk of other types of victimization. These risks held true for lifetime exposure as well
Outcomes of Children Exposed to Violence
In examining the outcomes for children exposed to violence, it becomes evident that these experiences often lead to a complex web of overlapping issues. Each identified outcome is accompanied by numerous risk factors beyond exposure to violence, making it incredibly difficult to establish a direct causal link between exposure to violence and any specific outcome. This complexity underscores the challenges faced in understanding the full impact of violence on children and highlights the importance of considering a holistic approach when addressing their needs.
Psychological Health Outcomes
These include problems associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, isolation, shame, fear, guilt, and low self-esteem
Physical Health Outcomes
Children exposed to violence are at risk for physical injury and are also more likely than others to have poor overall health, have illnesses requiring medical attention, attempt suicide, or be involved in self-injury. There is evidence that exposure to child abuse and neglect has profound effects on brain development and cognition.
Academic Difficulties and Failure
Exposure to violence increases the risk that children will drop out of school or do more poorly in school.
Behavioral Problems
Behavioral outcomes may include substance abuse or dependence, teen pregnancy, aggression, conduct disorder, delinquency, and violence, including dating violence and intimate partner violence.
Delinquency and Offending
High rates of victimization are seen in juvenile justice samples. Seventy percent of youth in residential placement had some type of past traumatic experience, with 30 percent having experienced frequent and/or injurious physical and/or sexual abuse.
Talking to Your Children About Violence
Parents must engage in open and honest conversations with their children about domestic violence and violence in general. These discussions provide an opportunity to validate their feelings, reassure them of their safety, and equip them with the tools to navigate difficult situations. By fostering an environment of trust and communication, parents can empower their children to recognize unhealthy behaviors, seek support when needed, and break the cycle of violence for future generations.
For some tips about having these discussions and some helpful messages for children to hear, read this document.
Click here for a list of books to read with your children.
If you suspect your child has been exposed to domestic violence or if you are experiencing violence yourself, you can call our 24/7 crisis hotline at 479-246-9999 for assistance or with any questions/concerns.