Adults as well as children from various backgrounds experience domestic violence on a daily basis in the United States. It is a devastating social issue which impacts all segments of our society.
According to the United Stated Department of Justice, domestic violence is an ongoing cycle of abusive conduct in any given relationship in which one partner exerts power and control over another intimate partner. This abusive behavior can be either physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological in form of intimidation that may influence a partner. This behavior can be performed in many ways to include bullying, manipulation, shaming, isolation, terrifying, terrorizing, forcing, accusing, or wounding another person.
Children are exposed to or may experience abusive behavior in many ways. They may witness their parents or caregivers in violent situations which makes them more susceptible to becoming direct victims of domestic violence. If the violence is long-lasting, it can have serious implications on a child’s overall physical and mental well-being. Children who grow up in abusive environments are more likely to engage in drug and alcohol abuse, or experience anxiety and depression. They are also more susceptible to health problems and may lack focus in school. Moreover, a similar pattern of violence may perhaps be repeated in their adult lives. Lastly, child victims of abuse are more likely to suffer an earlier death.
Being aware of the signs of abusive behavior is key in empowering yourself. While healing from domestic violence may be a difficult and long-lasting recovery process, with the right resources at hand coupled with strong resilience, one can eventually go on to thrive to live a successful life.