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Growing up in a Violent Home
Not all homes provide a safe haven for children. For victims
of domestic violence and their children, home becomes a place where hearts are
broken and lives are shattered.
Domestic violence spares no one, especially children who hear and witness
it or are targets themselves. Living in a home where one parent uses violence
against the other places children at risk for emotional and behavioral
problems. Boys who witness the abuse of their mothers by their fathers may be
at greater risk for becoming men who batter in adulthood than boys from homes
free of violence.
The physical and emotional pain can be long lasting. Children
are robbed of their innocence, joy and trust. They may feel confused, wet the
bed, be unable to sleep, have trouble in school or blame themselves for the
violence.
If any of these things are happening to your children,
you can get help for them and yourself. Acknowledging the pain and
embarrassment of family violence and reaching out for help can be confusing.
You don't have to handle the situation alone. There are many positive things
that parents can do to help their children deal with the effects
of violence in the family.
You can get help by calling the National Domestic Violence
Hotline. Counselors are available to answer your questions and assist you
in making a plan to help and support your children. They can help you
understand how your children may be feeling. If you simply need to talk, they
will listen.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) Help is available in English and Spanish and many other languages. All Contact with the hotline is free and confidential. |
