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Relationship between Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

Published on July 15, 2024

Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse and coercive behaviors to gain power and control over an intimate partner. The power and control wheel was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota in 1984 to help describe the experience of victims of violence and the tactics that abusers used.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors, not a single event. The abuse may become more severe and frequent over time, resulting in an increased likelihood that children eventually become victims.

An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States and more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.

General domestic violence statistics

Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and stalking by a partner and reported it having a related impact on their functioning.
Just under 15% of women (14.8%) and 4% of men in the US have been injured as a result of intimate partner violence which included rape, physical violence, and stalking by an intimate partner.
1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Intimate partner violence alone affects more than 12 million people every year.
Over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Almost half of all women and men in the US have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime (48.4% and 48.8%, respectively).
Women ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 generally experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence.
From 1994 to 2010, approximately 4 in 5 victims of intimate partner violence were female.
Most female victims of intimate partner violence were previously victimized by the same offender at rates of 77% for women ages 18 to 24, 76% for ages 25 to 34, and 81% for ages 35 to 49.

Data from the US government’s National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) and Health and Human Services can examine 2022 data, which shows that 3,096,101 million cases of child abuse or neglect were investigated. Investigations revealed the following:

· 74.3% were victims of neglect

· 17% were physically abused

· 10.6% were sexually abused

· 6.8% were psychologically mistreated

Child abuse fatalities increased from 2021 to 2022. An estimated 1,990 children died from abuse or neglect in 2022, a devastating increase from the 1,820 that died in 2021.

Researchers have long been aware of the link between domestic violence and child abuse.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is harm done to a child for which there is no "reasonable" explanation. Child abuse includes physical injury, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Children who witness acts of violence can be affected in the same ways as children who are the intended target of abuse. Child abuse has become a national epidemic; more than one million children are confirmed each year as victims of child abuse and neglect by child protective services.

Every day a minimum of three children die because of violence in the home. Those children who are victims of abuse or exposed to violence in the home are at serious risk for long-term, physical, and mental health problems; children who witness abuse between their parents may also be at greater risk of becoming victims in future relationships or becoming violent themselves.

Effects domestic violence has on children.

· aggression or bullying

· anti-social behavior, like vandalism

· anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts

· attention seeking

· bed-wetting, nightmares, or insomnia

· constant or regular sickness, like colds, headaches, and mouth ulcers

· drug or alcohol use

· eating disorders

· problems in school or trouble learning

· tantrums

· withdrawal

If a child reveals abuse:

· listen carefully to what they're saying

· let them know they've done the right thing by telling you

· tell them it's not their fault

· say you'll take them seriously

· don't confront the alleged abuser

· explain what you'll do next

· report what the child has told you as soon as possible

Myths and facts about child abuse and neglect

Myth: It’s only abuse if it’s violent.	Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Child neglect, or sexual and emotional abuse can inflict just as much damage. Since the signs are not always as obvious, other people may be less likely to intervene.
Myth: Only bad people abuse their children.	Fact: Not all abusive parents or guardians intentionally harm their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves and don’t know any other way to parents. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse problems.
Myth: Abuse doesn’t happen in “good” families	Fact: Abuse and neglect don’t only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. These behaviors cross all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.
Myth: Most child abusers are strangers.	Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.
Myth: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.	Fact: It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents

Can children recover from witnessing or experiencing domestic violence or abuse?

Each child responds differently to abuse and trauma. Some children are more resilient, and some are more sensitive. Although children will probably never forget what they saw or experienced during the abuse, they can learn healthy ways to deal with their emotions and memories as they mature. The sooner a child receives therapy, the better his or her chances of becoming a mentally and physically healthy adult will be.

As a parent you can help your child/children recover after witnessing or experiencing domestic violence, including:

· Helping them feel safe. Children who witness or experience domestic violence need to feel safe; talk with them about their fears, create a safety plan to help them feel safe

· Let them know that it’s not their fault or your fault

· Talk to them about healthy relationships and boundaries

· Helping them find a trusting support system

Breaking the cycle of abuse for you and your child

Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are the most important person in your child’s life. Help and support are available.

There are resources available to help you make a plan and end the cycle of abuse. Before you leave an abusive relationship, it may help to think of safe places you can go, pack your most essential items, and who you will contact.

· National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

· NM Crisis: 1-855-NMCRISIS

· Crisis Center of Northern NM: 1-505-753-1656

· Esperanza shelter: 1-505-474-5536

· Los Alamos Victim assist: 1-505-663-3511

Source:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm

https://ncadv.org/

https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/