These children frequently are anxious, depressed, or act out inappropriately. Their lives may be disrupted by attempts to escape violence. Children whose mothers are battered are at a higher risk of being neglected, abused or injured.
Many perpetrators inadvertently injure children when abusing their female partners.
The youngest children sustain the most serious injuries, such as concussions and broken ribs. Older sons are frequently injured when they try to protect their mothers. Help them find ways that they be safe when the violence occurs. This may be calling 911, hiding under a bed or in a closet, or going to a neighbor's house. Let them know the violence is never their fault, and that it is not their responsibility to stop it or to protect their mother.