Domestic Violence and The Impact on Children - Coursework Example

Domestic Violence and the Impact on Children inserts his full School Domestic violence is a very serious issue that hinders the proper physical as well as mental growth of children. Various studies have identified the crucial impact of domestic violence on children. However, a study would be helpful to identify the real issues behind it. Therefore, the proposed study aims to explore the impact of domestic violence on children with help of various research articles, journals, books and online resources. The paper has been divided into different sections and attempts a proper analysis on the real causes of the issue. The different sub titles used in the paper are; ‘What is domestic violence?’, ‘How does it affect children?’, ‘Psychological problems associated with domestic violence,’ ‘Emotional and behavioral impact’ and ‘Social and physical problems.’ The study is concluded stating that domestic violence has a severe impact on children and it adversely affects them in their overall development. Domestic Violence and the Impact on Children What is domestic violence? Domestic violence has often been identified as a significant issue that deserves a grave discussion. “Domestic violence refers to violence that men use against women to whom they are married or with whom they live in marriage-like relationships…[it includes] ignoring special needs; other forms entail humiliation, insult, intimidation, and threat, sometimes culminating in physical and sexual attacks that may lead to death” (Jollin & Steffin, 2002, p.39). Generally, in the case of domestic violence, the persons who undergo severe physical and mental torture are women and rarely men. The term “domestic violence” broadly refers to the intimate context within which one partner is abused by another, involving both men and women as victims and same sex partner violence. (Holta, Buckleyb & Whelana, 2008, p.798). A report, developed jointly by UNICEF, The Body Shop International and the Secretariat for the United Nations Secretary-Generals Study on Violence against Children identifies the examples of domestic violence and writes thus; “Examples of physical abuse include slapping, shaking, beating with fist or object, strangulation, burning, kicking and threats with a knife. Sexual abuse includes coerced sex through threats or intimidation or through physical force, forcing unwanted sexual acts, forcing sex in front of others and forcing sex with others” (UNICEF). However, it is really a task for one to define domestic violence as it varies from one person to another and in different contexts (Child welfare information gateway, 2013). The changing socio-cultural conditions also have predominant roles in properly defining domestic violence. It is also clear that the different social groups define it differently. Whatever may be the definition, one is sure that it is a topic which requires an extensive research and a complicated discussion when one focuses on the impact of domestic violence on children. As children are the sect that directly or indirectly involve in the violence, a close observation or a psychological study is essential to expose the reality. In the past several decades, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers have expressed increasing concern that children who witness marital violence may suffer negative consequences even when they are not themselves the target of violence (Osofsky, 1995). However, it is quite alarming to note that the number of studies conducted on the impact of domestic violence is comparatively lesser than the studies on children who are the direct victims of child abuse. It has also been evaluated that witnessing domestic violence can terrorize children and significantly disrupt child socialization, many researchers have begun to consider exposure to domestic violence to be a form of psychological maltreatment (Kitzmann et al.2003, p.339). Many recent studies have identified that the number of the children below 5 is higher in those families that often engage in domestic violence. Joseph S. Volpe adopts the findings of Straus & Gelles (1990) and says, “Domestic violence is widespread and occurs among all socioeconomic groups. In a national survey of over 6,000 American families, it was estimated that between 53% and 70% of male batterers (i.e., they assaulted their wives) also frequently abused their children” (Volpe, 2012). It has also been identified that majority of the physical violence take place at the early stage of marital life especially when the children are at their tender age (UNICEF, 2005, P.22). Though many parents claim that they protect their children from the marital violence, one could cite many examples where children witness the episodes of marital violence. How does it affect children? The impact of domestic violence on children is often viewed as higher than what is generally being perceived. Many psychological issues and even some physical issues are the direct outcome of this domestic violence. The past 20 years have seen a flurry of research on child witnesses to domestic violence, and numerous qualitative reviews of this research have concluded that children’s exposure to marital violence is associated with a wide range of psychological, emotional, behavioral, social, and academic problems (Kitzmann et al.2003, p.339). This throws light to the grave issue of children being exposed to violence and are subsequently lead to various psychological and many other problems. Psychological problems associated with domestic violence Analyzing the psychological outcome of domestic violence on children it is evident that a bundle of behavioral changes are occurring in them and as such there is possibility for them to turn to criminal activities in the future. Psychological abuse involves isolation from others, excessive jealousy, control of his or her activities, verbal aggression, intimidation through destruction of property, harassment or stalking, threats of violence and constant belittling and humiliation (UNICEF). When many discussions are conducted on account of child abuse, the psychological status of the children subjected to domestic violence is often forgotten or neglected. But one should keep in mind that they equally deserve care and concern else they may fall into the pit of severe psychological disorders. The report of the UNISEF identifies, “Children who are exposed to violence in the home may have difficulty learning and limited social skills, exhibit violent, risky or delinquent behavior, or suffer from depression or severe anxiety.” The report adds that “Children in the earliest years of life are particularly vulnerable: studies show that domestic violence is more prevalent in homes with younger children than those with older children” (UNICEF). The report points out to the seriousness of taking domestic violence as a severe issue and underlines its psychological impact on children. The actual number of the children subjected to domestic violence is unknown as there is not any proper studies conducted in this filed. However, the available data shows that there are as many as 275 million children worldwide are exposed to violence in the home (UNICEF). This data is quite alarming and makes us aware that there are 275 million children as the victims of domestic violence and they face the severe psychological stress. Emotional and behavioral impact Analyzing the cognitive, emotional and behavioral impact of domestic violence, it has often identified as leading to traumatic stress. Dr. Joseph S. Volpe, the director of Professional Development in The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress makes it clear. According to him, “Traumatic stress is produced by exposure to events that are so extreme or severe and threatening that they demand extraordinary coping efforts. Such events are often unpredicted and uncontrollable. They overwhelm a persons sense of safety and security” (Volpe, 2012). Volpe also adds that “Without treatment, these children are at significant risk for delinquency, substance abuse, school drop-out, and difficulties in their own relationships” (Volpe, 2012). Now, it is crystal clear that domestic violence causes for severe behavioral changes in children which may even lead them to criminal activities and making their future darker. The emotional impact of it also includes; Grief for family and personal losses, Shame, guilt, and self blame, Confusion about conflicting feelings toward parents, Fear of abandonment, or expressing emotions, the unknown or personal injury, Anger, Depression and feelings of helplessness and powerlessness and Embarrassment (ACADV). Thus, it is evident that domestic violence causes for behaviors and emotional problems in children. Social and physical problems Domestic violence also causes for many social and academic problems in children. The clash between the parents may lead the child to a secluded life and there is possibility for him/her to be an introvert dissuading from the lime light of the society. Many studies have identified them as showing distrust to the adults and exhibiting poor anger management and problem solving skills (ACADV). There is also possibility for an excessive social involvement to avoid family. The mental strain of the children due to domestic violence has also been noticed as leading them to some physical problems. They include; Somatic complaints, headaches and stomachaches, nervous, anxious, short attention span, tired and lethargic, frequently ill, poor personal hygiene, regression in development, high risk play and self abuse (ACADV). Conclusion The study on the impacts of domestic violence on children leads to the following conclusions. Domestic violence refers to the physical as well as the mental abuse in familial relations, especially the abuse or ill treatment of woman by man in familial or in cohabitation. As children are the direct or indirect victims of this violence, it causes for many grave issues in them. The study proves that the children who witness such domestic violence may have psychological disorders and he/she may behave improperly. It affects the children emotionally and there occurs certain behavioral changes in them. They cannot adapt with the society and properly focus on their studies. It even causes for some physical problems and traumatic stress which may even lead the child to delinquency. Therefore, there should be proper care and concern from the part of the parents to avoid domestic violence in order to assure the bright future of their children and to bring peace and prosperity in their family. References ACADV. The effects of DV on children. acadv.org. Retrieved November 12, 2014 from http://www.acadv.org/children.html Child welfare information gateway. (2013). Definitions of Domestic Violence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved November 28, 2014 from https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/defdomvio.pdf Holta, S. Buckleyb, H. & Whelana, S. (2008). The impact of exposure to domestic violence on children and young people: A review of the literature. Child Abuse & Neglect. Elsevier. 32 797–810. Kitzmann, K.M. Gaylord, N. K. Holt, A. R. & Kenny, E.D. (2003). Child Witnesses to Domestic Violence: A Meta-Analytic Review. Kenny University of Memphis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology: The American Psychological Association, Inc, Vol. 71, (2), 339–352 DOI: 10.1037/0022-006X.71.2.339 Osofsky, J. D. (1995). Children who witness domestic violence: The invisible victims. Social Policy Report, 9, 1–16. Summers, R.W & Hoffman, A.M. (Eds.). (2002). Domestic Violence: A Global View. Greenwood Publishing Group. Book. Volpe, Joseph S. (2012). Effects of Domestic Violence on Children and Adolescents: An Overview. The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Retrieved November 12, 2014 from http://www.aaets.org/article8.htm UNICEF. Behind Closed Doors: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children. UNICEF Child Protection Section Programme Division. Retrieved November 12, 2014 from http://www.unicef.org/protection/files/BehindClosedDoors.pdf UNICEF. Early marriage a harmful traditional practice a statistical exploration. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Retrieved November 28, 2014 from http://www.unicef.org/gender/files/Early_Marriage_Harmful_Traditional_Practice.pdf Read More