Dontsociety.

Moreover, it has become apparent that some individuals are at greater risk for
victimization than others. Domestic violence has adverse effects on individuals, families, and society
in general.
Domestic violence includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and abuse to
property and pets (Ganley, 1989). Exposure to this form of violence has considerable potential to be
perceived as life-threatening by those victimized and can leave them with a sense of vulnerability,
helplessness, and in extreme cases, horror. Physical abuse refers to any behavior that involves the
intentional use of force against the body of another person that risks physical injury, harm, and/or
pain (Dutton, 1992). Physical abuse includes pushing, hitting, slapping, choking, using an object to
hit, twisting of a body part, forcing the ingestion of an unwanted substance, and use of a weapon.
Sexual abuse is defined as any unwanted sexual intimacy forced on one individual by another. It
may include oral, anal, or vaginal stimulation or penetration, forced nudity, forced exposure to
sexually explicit material or activity, or any other unwanted sexual activity (Dutton, 1994).
Compliance may be obtained through actual or threatened physical force or through some other form
of coercion. Psychological abuse may include derogatory statements or threats of further abuse (e.g.,
threats of being killed by another individual). It may also involve isolation, economic threats, and
emotional abuse.
II. Prevalence of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is widespread and occurs among all socioeconomic groups. In a national survey
of over 6,000 American families, it was estimated that between 53% and 70% of male batterers (i.e.,
they assaulted their wives) also frequently abused their children (Straus & Gelles, 1990). Other
research suggests that women who have been hit by their husbands were twice as likely as other
women to abuse a child (CWP, 1995).
Over 3 million children are at risk of exposure to parental violence each year (Carlson, 1984).
Children from homes where domestic violence occurs are physically or sexually abused and/or
seriously neglected at a rate 15 times the national average (McKay, 1994). Approximately, 45% to
70% of battered women in shelters have reported the presence of child abuse in their home
(Meichenbaum, 1994). About two-thirds of abused children are being parented by battered women
(McKay, 1994). Of the abused children, they are three times more likely to have been abused by
their fathers.
Studies of the incidence of physical and sexual violence in the lives of children suggest that this
form of violence can be viewed as a serious public health problem. State agencies reported
approximately 211,000 confirmed cases of child physical abuse and 128,000 cases of child sexual
abuse in 1992. At least 1,200 children died as a result of maltreatment. It has been estimated that
about 1 in 5 female children and 1 in 10 male children may experience sexual molestation (Regier &
Cowdry, 1995).
III. Domestic Violence as a Cause of Traumatic Stress
As the incidence of interpersonal violence grows in our society, so does the need for investigation of
the cognitive, emotional and behavioral consequences produced by exposure to domestic violence,
especially in children. Traumatic stress is produced by exposure to events that are so extreme or
severe and threatening, that they demand extraordinary coping efforts. Such events are often
unpredicted and uncontrollable. They overwhelm a person's sense of safety and security.
Terr (1991) has described "Type I" and "Type II" traumatic events. Traumatic exposure may take the
form of single, short-term event (e.g., rape, assault, severe beating) and can be referred to as "Type
I" trauma. Traumatic events can also involve repeated or prolonged exposure (e.g., chronic
victimization such as child sexual abuse, battering); this is referred to as "Type II" trauma. Research
suggests that this latter form of exposure tends to have greater impact on the individual's
functioning. Domestic violence is typically ongoing and therefore, may fit the criteria for a Type II
traumatic event.
With repeated exposure to traumatic events, a proportion of individuals may develop Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD involves specific patterns of avoidance and hyperarousal. Individuals
with PTSD may begin to organize their lives around their trauma. Although most people who suffer
from PTSD (especially, in severe cases) have considerable interpersonal and academic/occupational
problems, the degree to which symptoms of PTSD interfere with overall functioning varies a great
deal from person to person.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV; APA, 1994)
stipulates that in order for an individual to be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, he or she
must have experienced or witnessed a life-threatening event and reacted with intense fear,
helplessness, or horror. The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced (e.g., distressing
recollections), there is persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and the victim
experiences some form of hyperarousal (e.g., exaggerated startle response). These symptoms persist
for more than one month and cause clinically significant impairment in daily functioning. When the
disturbance lasts a minimum of two days and as long as four weeks from the traumatic event, Acute
Stress Disorder may be a more accurate diagnosis.
It has been suggested that responses to traumatic experience(s) can be divided into at least four
categories (for a complete review, see Meichenbaum, 1994). Emotional responses include shock,
terror, guilt, horror, irritability, anxiety, hostility, and depression. Cognitive responses are reflected
in significant concentration impairment, confusion, self-blame, intrusive thoughts about the
traumatic experience(s) (also referred to as flashbacks), lowered self-efficacy, fears of losing
control, and fear of reoccurrence of the trauma. Biologically-based responses involve sleep
disturbance (i.e., insomnia), nightmares, an exaggerated startle response, and psychosomatic
symptoms. Behavioral responses include avoidance, social withdrawal, interpersonal stress
(decreased intimacy and lowered trust in others), and substance abuse. The process through which
the individual has coped prior to the trauma is arrested; consequently, a sense of helplessness is
often maintained (Foy, 1992).
IV. Possible Signs and Symptoms of Domestic Violence in Children and Adolescents
More than half of the school-age children in domestic violence shelters show clinical levels of
anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder (Graham-Bermann, 1994). Without treatment, these children
are at significant risk for delinquency, substance abuse, school drop-out, and difficulties in their own
relationships.
Children may exhibit a wide range of reactions to exposure to violence in their home. Younger
children (e.g., preschool and kindergarten) oftentimes, do not understand the meaning of the abuse
they observe and tend to believe that they "must have done something wrong." Self-blame can
precipitate feelings of guilt, worry, and anxiety. It is important to consider that children, especially
younger children, typically do not have the ability to adequately express their feelings verbally.
Consequently, the manifestation of these emotions are often behavioral. Children may become
withdrawn, non-verbal, and exhibit regressed behaviors such as clinging and whining. Eating and
sleeping difficulty, concentration problems, generalized anxiety, and physical complaints (e.g.,
headaches) are all common.
Unlike younger children, the pre-adolescent child typically has greater ability to externalize negative
emotions (i.e., to verbalize). In addition to symptoms commonly seen with childhood anxiety (e.g.,
sleep problems, eating disturbance, nightmares), victims within this age group may show a loss of
interest in social activities, low self-concept, withdrawal or avoidance of peer relations,
rebelliousness and oppositional-defiant behavior in the school setting. It is also common to observe
temper tantrums, irritability, frequent fighting at school or between siblings, lashing out at objects,
treating pets cruelly or abusively, threatening of peers or siblings with violence (e.g., "give me a pen
or I will smack you"), and attempts to gain attention through hitting, kicking, or choking peers
and/or family members. Incidentally, girls are more likely to exhibit withdrawal and unfortunately,
run the risk of being "missed" as a child in need of support.
Adolescents are at risk of academic failure, school drop-out, delinquency, and substance abuse.
Some investigators have suggested that a history of family violence or abuse is the most significant
difference between delinquent and non delinquent youth. An estimated 1/5 to 1/3 of all teenagers
who are involved in dating relationships are regularly abusing or being abused by their partners
verbally, mentally, emotionally, sexually, and/or physically (SASS, 1996). Between 30% and 50%
of dating relationships can exhibit the same cycle of escalating violence as marital relationships
(SASS, 1996).
V. Helping Children and Adolescents Exposed to Domestic Violence
For some children and adolescents, questions about home life may be difficult to answer, especially
if the individual has been "warned" or threatened by a family member to refrain from "talking to
strangers" about events that have taken place in the family. Referrals to the appropriate school
personnel could be the first step in assisting the child or teen in need of support. When there is
suggestion of domestic violence with a student, consider involving the school psychologist, social
worker, guidance counselor and/or a school administrator (when indicated). Although the
circumstances surrounding each case may vary, suspicion of child abuse is required to be reported to
the local child protection agency by teachers and other school personnel. In some cases, a contact
with the local police department may also be necessary. When in doubt, consult with school team
members.
If the child expresses a desire to talk, provide them with an opportunity to express their thoughts and
feelings. In addition to talking, they may be also encouraged to write in a journal, draw, or paint;
these are all viable means for facilitating expression in younger children. Adolescents are typically
more abstract in their thinking and generally have better developed verbal abilities than younger
children. It could be helpful for adults who work with teenagers to encourage them to talk about
their concerns without insisting on this expression. Listening in a warm, non-judgmental, and
genuine manner is often comforting for victims and may be an important first step in their seeking
further support. When appropriate, individual and/or group counseling should be considered at
school if the individual is amenable. Referrals for counseling (e.g., family counseling) outside of the
school should be made to the family as well. Providing a list of names and phone numbers to contact
in case of a serious crisis can be helpful.
References
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th
ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Carlson, B. E. (1984). Children's observations of interpersonal violence. In A. R. Edwards (Ed.),
Battered women and their families (pp. 147-167). New York: Springer.
Child Welfare Partnership (1995). Domestic violence summary: The intersection of child abuse and
domestic violence. Published by Portland State University.
Dutton, M.A. (1994). Post-traumatic therapy with domestic violence survivors. In M.B. Williams &
J.F. Sommer (Eds.), Handbook of post-traumatic therapy (pp. 146-161). Westport, CT: Greenwood
Press.
Dutton, M.A. (1992). Women's response to battering: Assessment and intervention. New York:
Springer.
Foy, D.W. (1992). Introduction and description of the disorder. In D. W. Foy (Ed.), Treating PTSD:
Cognitive-Behavioral strategies (pp 1-12). New York: Guilford.
Ganley, A. (1989). Integrating feminist and social learning analyses of aggression: Creating multiple
models for intervention with men who battered. In P. Caesar & L. Hamberger (Eds.), Treating men
who batter (pp. 196-235). New York: Springer.
Graham-Bermann, S. (1994). Preventing domestic violence. University of Michigan research
information index. UM-Research-WEB@umich.edu.
McKay, M. (1994). The link between domestic violence and child abuse: Assessment and treatment
considerations. Child Welfare League of America, 73, 29-39.
Meichenbaum, D. (1994). A clinical handbook/practical therapist manual for assessing and treating
adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Ontario, Canada: Institute Press.
Regier, D.A., & Cowdry, R.W. (1995). Research on violence and traumatic stress (program
announcement, PA 95-068). National Institute of Mental Health.
Sexual Assault Survivor Services (1996). Facts about domestic violence. SASS home page at
http://www.portup.com. [This site may have moved.]
Straus, M.A., & Gelles, R.J. (1990). Physical violence in American families. New Brunswick, NJ:
Transaction Publishers.
Terr, L. (1991). Childhood trauma: An outline and overview. American Journal of Psychiatry, 148,
10-20.
1996 by The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Inc.


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About
Effects of Domestic Violence
Contributor
By L R
eHow Contributing Writer
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Domestic violence is frightening not only for the victim, but for those that witness it and hear it.
Some may think that once the bruises or lacerations on the victim go away, that it is the end of
the damage she has suffered. The damage goes much deeper than that, and the effects can last
longer than anyone can imagine.
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Low Self-Esteem
1. The abusers often try to make their victims feel as though they are ugly and worthless.
The victim can feel like he is nothing, which can lead him to suffer from low self-esteem.
This is one of the reasons why a victim of abuse may stay around the person abusing her.
She could feel that this person is the only one that will want her the way she is, which is
exactly what the abuser wants her to think and feel.
Depression
2. Considering the amount of physical and emotional abuse someone can suffer on a day-to-
day basis as a result of the abuser, he may become depressed and despondent. Combined
with the other effects of domestic violence, the depression can grow from a few fleeting
thoughts to something that is full blown and hard to get past. Not only can this affect the
victim, but the loved ones around him as well.
Suicide
3. Some victims being abused may feel that suicide is the only way out. They could feel that
they will never get away from their abuser, so rather then be tortured or die at the hands
of the person hurting them, they would rather go on their own terms. Some may feel that
getting the help they need isn't possible. While some try to commit suicide and succeed,
others are not successful.
Sleep Disruption
4. One of the effects that people who are dealing with domestic violence may experience is
having trouble sleeping. The worry and fear can infiltrate their minds and prevent them
from falling asleep.
Inability to Trust
5. When someone severely hurts you physically and emotionally, it can be difficult to trust
that others are not going to do the same. If a person is currently in a situation where
domestic violence is present, she may not only be scared to trust in general, but also be
scared that someone is going to figure out that she is being abused. Many victims of
domestic violence take special caution when meeting someone, and can take quite a long
time to be able to trust that person.
Warning