From The Margins:

In a 1999 article titled “Domestic Violence and Children: Analysis and Recommendations” by Richard Behman, MD; Lucy Salcido, JD; and Lois Weithorn, PhD, JD; authors suggest that living in a home where domestic violence is a common occurrence can have serious negative effects on children. Effects may manifest themselves in the shape of aggression, phobias, insomnia, low self-esteem and depression.

According to the same study, victims may also perform poor academically, have poor problem-solving skills, as well as lack empathy. Continued exposure to domestic violence may also result in emotional numbing, post-traumatic stress disorder, avoidance of any reminders of the violent event or obsessive focus on the occurrence. Studies indicate that the effects of exposure can carry to the adulthood, culminating in depression, low self-esteem, violence and criminal activity.

The effects of exposure to domestic violence can vary from one child to another, however. The family unit, community environment and the child’s personality may either lead to strength in dealing with the situation or place the child in a high-risk category. The child’s ability to cope with such potentially harmful conditions can be affected by the presence of a protective factor. This factor can be the existence of a strong, positive relationship with a competent and caring adult, according to the Future of Children.

Children need an environment in which they can openly speak with a caring adult about their concerns and fears. Ideally, this adult will be someone who has the ability and the will to intervene.

Children with good communication skills have a better chance of developing relationships with adults who can be instrumental in helping them reduce the effects of exposure to domestic violence.

Salcido, Berman and Weithern suggest that because of children’s lack of access to traditional avenues available to adult victims of domestic violence, new strategies for identifying and serving these children are necessary in other venues. These outlets can be health care institutions where professionals can come into contact with victimized children.

Furthermore, domestic violence service organizations should develop the means and the protocol to intervene in families where both domestic violence and child abuse are present. Safety and stability for the child is essential in these cases.

And finally, professionals who come into daily contact with children and their families, including child care workers, health care providers, law enforcement officers, welfare workers and court personnel should receive ongoing training on domestic violence and its effects on children.

A society that does not care for its children is a society with a bleak future.

 PATRICK AZADIAN is a writer and the creative director of a local marketing and graphic design studio living in Glendale. He may be reached at respond@ fromthemargins.net.