Parents do not need to be victims of their past by repeating the mistakes of their parents. Some men and women are still rigidly confined to traditional gender roles and beliefs. Such attitudes tend to contribute to and reinforce family violence. Parents are encouraged to meet their needs within other significant life roles, and learn how to avoid abusing their power as adults toward their children. Discipline vs. Punishment.
Research suggests that battered women are at increased risk for abusing their children.
They are frequently isolated, lack outside support, and are the primary caretaker of the children. It is crucial for these mothers to know the difference between discipline and punishment and to learn non-violent approaches to discipline. Parents of child witnesses of violence need to make a conscious effort to support and strengthen their children's self-esteem. Children from violent homes often experience confusion as a result of mixes messages, double standards, misrepresentations of behavior and lack of permission to ask clarifying questions. Parents can be helped to establish open and direct communication with their children by identifying their own style of verbal and nonverbal communication.