Idaho Enterprise Malad Domestic violence has effect on children Submitted by Debi Healy, Director Oneida Crisis Center Children are dramatically affected by violence in their home. FBI statistics indicate that approximately 4.3 million children witness domestic violence in the home each year. This is based on the number of domestic violence incidence that do occur. Children less than a year old have been known to develop ulcers because of their daily exposure to an abusive environment. Children who witness domestic violence show the same signs as children who are physically abused.
Babies exhibit symptoms of failure to thrive.
Young children display a general aggressiveness and violent behavior with their playmates that mirrors the behavior they see at home. They may have nightmares, use violence to express anger, be lonely or shy, feel embarrassment and humiliation. Children who come from an abusive relationship tend to exhibit fear and distrust of close relationships. They tend to be con fused between right behavior and wrong behavior. Many children of violent relationships exhibit eating disorders and sleeping problems.