Children who are reared in violent homes are at-risk to be violent or to accept violence. Growing up in a non-violent home does not guarantee that a person will not be abusive. Although alcohol and drugs are frequently used by batterers, it does not cause the abuse. Family stresses may increase the incidents of violence, but they do not cause the abuse. Many victims of abuse report the first incident occurring during their first pregnancy.
Incidents are often more frequent and more severe during pregnancy.
One third of the children in homes where there is domestic violence are also physically or sexually abused. Children suffer emotional or psychological damage and show an increase in psychological problems after witnessing abuse. One in every eight high school girls will be involved in at least one violent relationship before she graduates. One in three teens who are now dating are experiencing abuse. One in five college students is involved in a violent relationship.