When children grow up exposed to or subject to violence in the home, they can experience both short-term and long-term effects on their physical and mental health. The sooner you, as their parent, can safely get your children out of the situation, the less likely they are to suffer long-lasting harm to their well-being.
If you are in a domestic violence situation and have children, it is crucial that you begin taking the necessary steps to remove all of you from the volatile atmosphere as soon as possible. While getting out may feel scary and overwhelming, the dedicated Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is ready to help you move forward, whether it's filing for a restraining order or a divorce. Contact us online or call 888-535-3686 to get us on your side today.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
In addition to their physical safety being in jeopardy, children living in an unpredictable, violent home may suffer from a variety of emotional and mental issues, including feeling nervous, anxious, and fearful. These emotions may manifest in different ways, including:
- Regression to younger behavior, such as bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or sleeping troubles
- Severe separation anxiety
- Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as stomachaches and headaches
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Increased fighting
- Skipping school
- Engaging in risky behaviors
Additionally, children exposed to domestic violence are also more prone to depression. If you are seeing any of these behaviors in your children, it is all the more important for you to take action to remove all of you from danger.
While all of these behaviors can become long-term problems if not addressed, children who grew up in abusive homes also run higher risks of both mental and physical health problems as adults. These potential issues include depression, anxiety, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Moreover, children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence are also more likely to repeat the cycle as adults. Boys who have seen their mothers being abused are 10 times more likely to inflict abuse on their female partners in adulthood. Girls who have seen their mothers abused are more than six times as likely to be sexually abused as girls who did not grow up in an abusive home.
Protecting Yourself and Your Children
Making sure you and your children are safe from harm is your most important objective. The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team can help ensure your safety by guiding you through the process of filing a restraining order in New Jersey and, if you're ready, to file for divorce.
You and your children deserve to feel safe in your home. If you are in a domestic violence situation and would like help in taking steps toward a healthier, safer future, the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is just a message or phone call away. Contact us online or call 888-535-3686 to get us on your side today.
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