Children in violent relationships

In cases of domestic violence, children are always directly affected by violence, even if they themselves are not physically attacked. Children are never just witnesses, but always victims.

This witnessing of violence is direct violence and has similar severe effects on the children as experiencing physical abuse themselves.

The life situation of these children is characterized by fear, anger, powerlessness, aggression and numbness. They experience their parents as unpredictable and lack reliable support.

Possible impairments and immediate reactions in children:

• Restlessness
• Powerlessness
• Low self-esteem
• No access to own feelings
• Lack of a sense of security
• Concentration problems
• Difficulties at school
• Development of stereotypical gender roles
• Acquisition of an aggressive style of behavior
• Greater difficulties in building positive friendships
• Restriction in the ability to deal constructively with conflict

Possible health consequences of witnessing violence:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Heart disease
• Asthma
• Reduced life expectancy
• Risk of suicide

Some secondary illnesses only occur years or decades later.