Effects of Abuse on Children
- 50% of men who assault their wives also assault their children
- Violent juvenile offenders are four times more likely to come from violent homes
- Boys who grow up in violent homes are three times more likely to be batterers than boys growing up in non-violent homes
Infants
- Tend to be irritable
- Frequently ill
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- Tantrums or anxiety
School Age
- Eager to please adults
- Problems in school
- Wants to be home with mom
- Physical complaints, frequent injuries
- Tantrums and anxiety
Adolescents & Teens
- Physical complaints
- Secretive, often denies violence in home
- Can be protective, aggressive or violent with others
- Depression, eating disorders, use of substances
- May accept blame for violence
- School Problems
Toddler & Preschool
- Physical complaints like stomach aches and headaches
- Fearful of being alone, afraid of leaving mom
- Irritable, tantrums, anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent injuries
