Domestic violence can affect an adult in several ways. Think about how much damage it can do to a younger mind. Kids are impressionable. What they see, they tend to recreate. That is why living in a violent home can spur violent tendencies in children. For a child, having a parent suffer domestic violence is the same as being a direct victim. Unfortunately, the consequences vary. Some kids tend to be timid and never feel the need to voice out. Others wear the aggression armor they are used to and navigate life with that mentality.
Ways Domestic Violence Shape Kids
Kids from domestic violent homes exhibit short or long-term behavioral patterns. Under the short-term umbrella, they:
Outrightly Show Aggression
This is mostly among their peers and those who they can restrain. It is a direct replica of what goes on in their homes.
Beat Themselves Up
For kids in such situations, they blame themselves for their parents’ fight. Since there is a presence of fear, such children retreat from being seen. They prefer to stay hidden to avoid confrontations. Instead, they take solace in their loneliness.
Drugs And Alcohol Abuse
Affected teenage kids may have friends, but would never reveal their ordeal. However, one way to live out of their misery would be to indulge. They may find peace in keeping late nights only to return drunk. Or they would prefer using pills or needles. For them, it is an escape from reality.
The long-term effects of domestic violence would be:
They Resort To Violence
After a long time as a victim, they become the perpetrators. Instead of calming a storm, they influence it. Kids from homes riddled with domestic violence hardly resolve conflicts peacefully. Their first option is often chaos and inflicting pain on others.
They Fail To Build Meaningful Relationships
It is nearly impossible to keep any type of relationship with such kids. This stems from their behavioral problems. Not many would be able to cope with it, especially when they become adults.
Addiction Issues
After years of finding solace in drinking or using drugs, it becomes their go-to. Ultimately, kids who have experienced domestic violence become heavily dependent on it.
Saving Kids From Violent Homes
As a parent, looking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, especially for kids who have experienced domestic violence. It leaves them feeling empowered. They get to see how much voicing out can affect a situation. Children want to be loved. So when things exit the default setting, they only feel scared. A few ways to help a child in a domestic violent environment would be:
Get Them To A Safe Haven
Let there be a safe place. Ensure that kids are shielded in a more serene environment. It could be with family and friends or with someone they trust.
Lead With Example
In deeds and words, reconfigure their mindset. Since kids follow the examples of parents, create a different pattern. Provide support, care, love, and everything contrary to violence. They can relearn behaviors and begin to emulate them.
Professional Help
Don’t be trapped with in-house advice. Seek help from certified professionals. Third parties know how to analyze matters without bias. They aim to create safety and stability for the child.
Final Note
It is best to get the required help for a child from a domestic violent environment. This is because that person would end up being a menace to themselves, family, and society.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
