Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Linked

Researches have long been aware of the link between domestic violence and child abuse.  Even if children are witnesses to acts of violence and not the intended targets, they can be affected in the same ways as children who are physically and sexually abused.  Since domestic violence is a pattern of behavior, not a single event, episodes may become more severe and more frequent over time, resulting in an increased likelihood that the children eventually become victims.

Domestic violence is a widespread problem with long-term consequences to the abuser, the victim, and all family members.

Child abuse has become a national epidemic.  According to NCPA’s 1995 national report on the incidence of child abuse, more than one million children are confirmed each year as victims of child abuse and neglect, and every day a minimum of three children dies as a result.  The report lists violence in the home as a major factor contributing to the growth of reports of child abuse and neglect.

How does domestic violence affect children?
Domestic violence often includes child abuse. Children may be victimized and threatened as a way of punishing and controlling the adult victim of domestic violence.  Or they may be injured unintentionally when acts of violence occur in their presence.  Often episodes of domestic violence expand to include attacks on children.  However, even when children are not directly attacked, they can experience serious emotional damages as a result of living in a violent household.  Parents involved in domestic violence teach their children that this behavior is acceptable.

Are there similarities between families involved in domestic violence and families involved in child abuse?
The two populations share several similarities as well as some important differences.  Both forms of abuse cross all boundaries of economic level, race, ethnic heritage, and religious faith.  Both forms of abuse are identified by patterns.  Domestic violence and child abuse occur with some regularity, often increasing and becoming more serious as internal barriers against these types of behavior come down.  Adults who were abused as children have an increased risk of abusing their children, and adults who grew up in a violent home are more likely to become perpetrators or victims of domestic violence.  For a number of reasons including shame, secrecy, and isolation, both types of abuse are underreported.

How can we prevent these problems?

• Educating the public about the extent of the problem establishes a foundation that permits victims to come forward and admit to the abuse.
• Prevention efforts that reach parents before or soon after the birth of their baby, and provide intensive services on a moderately long-term basic can greatly reduce the incidence of child abuse.

PLEASE CALL

Child Abuse…1-800-800-5556

Domestic Violence….1-800-332-7385

 

 

Office Location
South Lake Community Services
1450 E. Joliet
Crown Point, IN  46307
Toll Free #:  866-641-7181

Hours:

Monday: Thursday:

8:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. 8:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

 

Parent Support Group

Contact person:    Kristen Verhoeve
Mental Health America – Lake County
9722 Parkway Drive
Highland, IN   46322
(219) 922-3822

Groups:  Fridays:      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.