From the beginning of time, violence has always been a part of the human condition. From war to child abuse, murder to school-yard bullying, violence has severe effects, often with children being the innocent victims. Because domestic violence has become a major social problem, researchers are becoming increasingly interested in violence and its effect on children. Sociologists, psychologists, family scientists, and educators are guided by the hope that science can provide interventions to prevent violence or at least alleviate the toll it takes on children (Mathews, Martha 1).
Domestic violence is the physical, sexual or emotional abuse inflicted on a man or woman by their partner (Volpe, Joseph .1). Women are usually, but not always, the victims. Studies show that as many as one out of four women are abused by their partner. Though it is rare, men can also be a victim of domestic violence, by their woman partner. Domestic Violence often occurs more frequently in homes with children. It often starts during pregnancy or after childbirth (Volpe, Joseph .1). Domestic violence has been involved in around half the separations that happen each year (Volpe, Joseph .1). Children witness about two thirds of the abusive incidents, in the homes where domestic violence is present. About half of the children in these family situations, have been badly hit or beaten themselves (Volpe, Joseph 1). If domestic violence already exists, it is more common for sexual and emotional abuse to occur in these families as well (Volpe, Joseph 1).
Children become extremely upset, confused and scared when they witness one of their parents abusing or attacking the other, and often show signs of great distress. Younger children experience anxiousness, complain of stomach-aches or they may even start to wet their bed (Volpe, Joseph 1). Other repercussions of domestic violence for younger children are; difficulty sleeping, temper tantrums and acting immaturely (Volpe, Joseph 1).