Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Teens
Exposed to Domestic
Violence
Facts About Children and
Teens Exposed to Domestic
Violence
At least 3 million children in the United States
live in abusive households.
Children as young as 2 years old will emulate
violent behaviors, and may come to perceive
them as normal.
An abused parent may not be able to
consistently respond to a child’s needs,
negatively affecting the parent-child bond.
Facts:
WHY?
Betrayal Trauma
conflicted –
what I see happening compared to what I am told
happened
Guilty
blame themselves and feel responsible
for the violence
“If I was a better kid and didn’t get in trouble . . .”
Angry
High levels of externalizing aggression
easily engage in fights,
destruction of property
other activities, which can have devastating
social implications.
Anxious
May internalize aggression, which causes:
withdrawal,
anxiety
depression
Helpless
Feel responsible for protecting the victimized
parent and siblings from the aggression
Children may:
want someone outside the family to find out about the
family problems
May offer clues through
behavior,
journals or writing assignments
conversations
artwork.
Ask questions that show your concern and
that may provide an opportunity for the child
or teen to disclose –
“Draw me a picture of your family.” or “Tell
me a story about your family”
“Are you worried about anyone in your
family?”
“I'm worried about you and the other
children when you threaten them. I'd like to
help you develop better relationships with
people. Do you have any ideas about why
you behave in this manner?”
Listen to child’s responses in
a warm, non-judgmental, and
genuine manner
Children may not disclose information upon the
first request, but helpful seeds are being planted
that may lead to later disclosure about violence at
home
Conversation may be an important first step in
their seeking further support
When Exposure to
Domestic Violence is
Known
or Highly Suspected
Things you might ask or
say:
Arguments and disagreements happen in all
families. What happens in your family when
your mom and dad (stepfather, mom's
boyfriend) disagree?
Do you ever hear yelling or see fighting and
hitting?
How did this make you feel?
Are you ever afraid that your mom will be
hurt?
Can you remember a time when she was
hurt?
What happened that time (or the last time that
happened)?