Children that grow up witnessing domestic violence (DV) are amongst those most deeply impacted.Children are exposed through hearing,seeing,being told about or seeing the aftermath of abuse and the coercive control used by one parent over another.How can you identify the signs
- Mental Blocking:-They learn to pretend it is not happening usually put on earphones and look down.
- Fantasy:They play children`s games and fantasize violence
- Scapegoat:They avoid being near the abuser.Cringe when they appear
- Predict Abuse:They say things like today someone is going to get a good thrashing
- Abusers Ally:Explain Abuse ; and say things like dad is annoyed because mum is so crazy.
- Referee:Try to Prevent Abuse:They try to stop the fight by coming in the middle
- Runaways:Avoidance and can not stand it any more
- Caretaker:They take over usually the household chores and baby sitting the smaller siblings
- Victims Confidant:They reach out to help and listen to victims woes and plans.
- The Perfect Child:Reserved,very pleasing,quiet ,overly clean,do only positive activities to maintain peace at all times.
- Rebellious :Disruptive,resist any team work,disrespect for teachers or adults other than the abuser
LESSONS LEARNED BY CHILD WITNESSES
- Love equals Abuse
- I Am Not Important-low Self Esteem/Unworthiness
- Violence Gets You What You Want
- It Is Normal To Have Feelings Of Fear
- You Are Either The Abuser or The Victim.
- Drinking Leads To Violence
- Adults Are Unsafe People In Their Lives.
- When You Hurt Others You Do Not Get Into Trouble.
- Unhealthy Relationships Are To Be Expected.
- Men,Women,Adults in General Are Weak,Vulnerable,Stupid,less than…
What Do You Do or Not Do When A Child Asks For Help?-see article on this website
