Children are affected by Domestic Violence

Research has strongly indicated if children are present in a household where violence occurs they hear, see and experience the trauma of living in a violent household, whether they are seen by the victim or perpetrator or not. As a result of witnessing domestic violence children are traumatized well into their adult lives, which consequently may affect their adult relationships.

  Children living with domestic violence may suffer from an array of behavioural, emotional and cognitive problems. For example

  Children and young people who experience Domestic Violence are at increased risk of being abused themselves.

  Children in violent households are forced to assume responsibility beyond their years.

  All children have the right to be safe and protected from domestic violence.

  Other links and Information:

Queensland Centre for Domestic Violence and Family Research:

Australian Domestic Violence Clearing House:  Issues papers: Issues paper No.2  ‘Children, Young People and Domestic Violence’,  Dr Lesley Laing (2000) http://socialwork.arts.unsw.edu.au/Research/Research/Gender/gendercentre4.htm