How Does Domestic Violence Affect Children - Research Paper Example

These data show how prevalent domestic violence is now in the American society. In fact, it is no longer just confined within the boundaries of the home, in can also happen through the mobile phones, internet and social networking sites (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2012). This essay aims to bring to light the short-term and long-term effects of domestic violence on children. According to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Study on Violence Against Children (forthcoming 2006), the estimated number of children in the US exposed to domestic violence ranges from 339,000 to 2.

7 million (Unicef Child Protection Section, 2006). Children are supposed to be nurtured and protected because at such a young age, they are not yet capable of caring and protecting themselves from any harm. However, there are some children who, instead of experiencing love and care from their own homes, undergo the exact opposite. These are the children who are victims of domestic violence. Although they may not be directly the object of the violence or they may only be witnesses to the episodes of violence between family members, they too are victims as well.

The effects of domestic violence on children vary depending on their age, gender, personality and family role (State Government of Victoria, 2012). Evidence has shown that even as early as the time of pregnancy, a child in the womb may already be affected by domestic violence (Domestic violence and its impact on children's development, 2002). Effects on the pregnancy such as miscarriage, low birth weight, still birth and birth of a disabled child may be attributed to the stress of domestic violence (Domestic violence and its impact on children's development, 2002).

Among infants, studies reveal that exposure to domestic violence negatively impacts the development of the brain, which might result in problems in dealing with the later stresses in life (Domestic violence and its impact on children's development, 2002). Physical problems arise due to the exposure to domestic family. Health problems such as headaches, ulcers, stomach aches, bed wetting, thumb sucking, increase or decrease of appetite and insomnia. Psychological troubles like sleeping difficulties, nightmares, post-traumatic disorders, anxiety and fearfulness, display of violent or destructive behavior and having tantrums are just some of the immediate effects of domestic violence.

Disruptive behaviors may be demonstrated such as that of being passive, clinging, aggressive and withdrawn. Emotional problems set in. Some kids begin to have a poor image of themselves and they become depressed. A more serious problem is when the child starts to have suicidal tendencies. In school, the children who witness domestic violence sometimes have impaired and limited concentration (Alaska Child Abuse Prevention Network, n.d.). They also perform poorly in school or will simply refuse to attend school.

Some children even have to deal with speech difficulties such as stuttering (State Government of Victoria, 2012). Other short-term effects of domestic violence include withdrawal from people and events, becoming a victim or perpetrator of bullying and showing cruelty to animals. Young adults on the other hand may misuse drugs or alcohol. More than the short-term effects, what is more disturbing are the long-term effects of d