The Effects of Domestic Abuse on Children and Young People

Many children do cope with and survive abuse, displaying extraordinary resilience. However, the physical, psychological and emotional effects of domestic abuse on children can also be severe and long-lasting.

Some children may become withdrawn and find it difficult to communicate. Others may blame themselves for the abuse. All children living with abuse are under stress. Through no fault of their own, that stress can lead to children exhibiting the following behaviours:

Withdrawal, aggression or bullying, tantrums, vandalism, problems in school, truancy, speech problems, difficulties with learning, attention seeking, nightmares or insomnia, bed-wetting, anxiety, depression, fear of abandonment, feelings of inferiority, drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders, constant colds, headaches, mouth ulcers, asthma, eczema.

Young Minds - Provide information and advice for parents for whose children have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse.

Child Line - provide information and advice for children and young people on dealing with domestic abuse and this may be something you could show your child is they have experienced domestic abuse.

Live Fear Free - Live Fear Free is a Welsh Government website, providing information and advice for those suffering with violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence

If you would like to know more about domestic abuse and related issues please click here.