Children's Project

Facts About the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

• Over 5 million children witness domestic violence each year.
• A child witnessed violence in 22% of intimate partner violence cases filed in state courts.
• 30 to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.
• Males who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
• Females are more likely to be victims as adults.
• Young criminal offenders are 4 times more likely to come from abusive homes.

How domestic violence impacts on young people

• Self-blame for being unable to prevent the abuse
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger about violence and chaos in their lives
• Regression in development, depending on age
• Poor anger management and problem-solving skills
• Isolation from friends and relatives
• Difficulty in trusting, especially adults
• Excessive attention-seeking, often using extreme behaviors
• Bedwetting and nightmares
• Out of control behaviors, unable to set own limits or follow directions
• Take on a caretaker role prematurely, trying to protect their mother
• Poorly developed communication skills
• Poor self-image
• Eating disorders
• Low academic achievement
• Nightmares

Our services are free and confidential and include:

• Care Coordination
• Safety Planning
• Court advocacy and accompaniment
• Individual Therapy
• Healthy Relationship support groups for teens
• Educational groups for children who have witnessed violence
• Parent Education
• Holiday Programs