Topic:  Domestic Violence and Children   

Reply to both post with 90-120 words with 1 reference. 

Post #1

Why is it important to consider the age when a child is exposed to domestic violence?

We want to consider the child’s age because as they grow older, depending on their character, their actions can change in a negative way. Each child is different and will have a different way of handling stress.

Identify and describe the effects of witnessing domestic violence on a child of 3, 10 and 13.

For example, children aging from ages 12 to 18 are likely to have bad grades in school and/or could begin cutting themselves. For younger children, they could experience emotional numbing, difficulty concentrating (Ages 6-11), and/or develop troubles sleeping (Birth to age 5.

Identify and describe at least 3 ways that professionals/helpers can effectively respond to child witnesses of domestic violence.

Three ways that can be effective to helping children could be to give them toys or games that could distract them if they are near an uncomfortable situation, avoid talking about domestic violence issues in front of the child, and to handle business when the child is not around.

What behaviors might parents expect to see in their children and what strategies should parents employ to help manage these behaviors?

In some situations, children can be expected to feel at fault for things happening between their parents, or for their children to try to intervene when things are not going well. If parents want to make their kids feel better, they can explain that it is not their fault, avoid it happening in front of them again, and do something for the child that would make them happy.

List at least 2 resources (and/or resource agencies) that would be helpful to professionals working with child witnesses. Describe the resources and/or services provided by the resource agencies.

Resources that are available to children who experience domestic violence are the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Office on Violence Against Women, and Safe Start Center. These resources aim to help children manage any trauma they may have experienced behind closed doors and assists them with getting the proper help.

Post #2

It is important to consider the age when a child exposed to domestic violence because their reactions will not be the same. A 3 year old that is exposed to domestic violence may act out at events and hit another child or play violently with toys. A 10 year old that is exposed to the same domestic violence can have a hard time concentrating at school because the events from the domestic violence is heavy on their mind. A 13 year could start causing harm to themselves such as cutting their body. Some ways that professionals or helpers can effectively respond to child witnesses of domestic violence: (National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2008), “avoid talking about specific events in front of the children, distract or comfort them with toys, and inform the child(ren) that events from the domestic violence will be discussed and it may make them upset.” A child wanting to commit suicide, worrying more than usual, having trouble eating or sleeping are just a few behaviors parents might expect to see on a child that is a witness to domestic violence. No child is the same, but some good strategies to use would be active ignoring or “picking your battles”, rules and routines, and adequate support. NCTSN (National Child Traumatic Stress Network) and CVTV (Childhood Violent Trauma Center) are some agencies that offer assistance for traumatized children and their families and advocates. NCTSN offer trauma treatments and practices, screenings and assessments, and Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR). CVTC offer clinical services for children and families of violence and also offer training opportunities for professionals.