Family Crisis Center

Domestic Violence

CHILDREN

Characteristics of Children in a Violent Environment

Children often have the following characteristics as a result of living in a violent and unpredictable environment. Many of these characteristics are similar to those of children who have been abused. In fact, many children who grow up in homes where domestic violence occurs are abused themselves.

FEELINGS

Worthless and powerless
Guilt, feel responsible for the problem
Depressed
Lonely, shy, and fearful
Suicidal or have homicidal thoughts toward their parents
Fear, disgust, or rage toward either parent
The need to be "perfect" to keep everyone happy
Embarrassment and humiliation

BEHAVIORS

Aggressive
Isolate themselves from other children
Short attention spans
Acting anxious and/or having nervous disorders
Bullying other children or acting abusive or violently toward others
High risk for alcohol and drug abuse
Have a record of poor school attendance and difficulties in learning
May say they hate their abusive parent or side with the abusive parent in blaming the victim
Accepting and expecting violence in their relationships
Using violence to express frustration, anger, and stress
Nightmares

PHYSICAL CLUES

Physically or sexually abused
Emotionally or physically neglected
Injured, accidentally or intentionally, while intervening
Bed-wetting reversals, headaches, or stomachaches
Self-abusive
Frequent illnesses
Poor school attendance


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Giving Opportunities Domestic Violence Definition Types of DV Cycle of Violence Someone You Know Children Sexual Assault Volunteering Services About Us Melissa's Hope Chest	Domestic Violence CHILDREN Characteristics of Children in a Violent Environment Children often have the following characteristics as a result of living in a violent and unpredictable environment. Many of these characteristics are similar to those of children who have been abused. In fact, many children who grow up in homes where domestic violence occurs are abused themselves. FEELINGS Worthless and powerless Guilt, feel responsible for the problem Depressed Lonely, shy, and fearful Suicidal or have homicidal thoughts toward their parents Fear, disgust, or rage toward either parent The need to be "perfect" to keep everyone happy Embarrassment and humiliation BEHAVIORS Aggressive Isolate themselves from other children Short attention spans Acting anxious and/or having nervous disorders Bullying other children or acting abusive or violently toward others High risk for alcohol and drug abuse Have a record of poor school attendance and difficulties in learning May say they hate their abusive parent or side with the abusive parent in blaming the victim Accepting and expecting violence in their relationships Using violence to express frustration, anger, and stress Nightmares PHYSICAL CLUES Physically or sexually abused Emotionally or physically neglected Injured, accidentally or intentionally, while intervening Bed-wetting reversals, headaches, or stomachaches Self-abusive Frequent illnesses Poor school attendance