Helping Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
As many as ten million children and adolescents witness violence between their caregivers each
year. This kind of violence is called domestic violence or intimate partner violence. The US
Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any
relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another
intimate partner.” Domestic violence can be verbal, physical, sexual, or psychological. Domestic
violence can occur between heterosexual or same sex couples.
Parents or caregivers involved in a violent relationship may think that the fighting does not affect
their children. Even children who do not see domestic violence are affected by the conflict in the
family. Children may develop serious emotional and behavioral problems. These problems are
not always recognized by their parents or caregivers. As a result, children do not always get the
help they need.
When there is domestic violence between partners, there is often child abuse as well. Sometimes
children get hurt accidentally. Children need to be assessed for their health and safety when
domestic violence occurs.
Symptoms to watch out for in young children include:
• Anxiety or increased fear
• Depression
• Loss of interest in school, friends or other things they enjoyed in the past
• Sleep problems including nightmares or bedwetting
• Increased aggression
• Anger
• Spending more time alone
• Fighting at home or at school
• Bullying or being bullied
• Changes in appetite
Symptoms to watch out for in adolescents include:
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Skipping school
• Changes in peer groups
• New rebellious or oppositional behavior
• Declining grades
• Social withdrawal
• Depression or anxiety
• Loss of interest in school, friends or other things they enjoyed in the past
Children and adolescents exposed to domestic violence should be evaluated by a trained mental
health professional. There are good treatments for the emotional and behavioral problems caused by domestic violence. Treatment can include individual, group or family therapy, and in some
cases, medication may also be helpful. It is critical for the child/children and victimized parent to
receive treatment in a setting where they feel safe.
It is important to remember that the non-abusive parent needs support as well. There is no typical
victim—domestic violence can happen to anyone. Shame or embarrassment often gets in the way
of victims getting help.
If domestic violence happens once, it usually happens again. It is important to put a crisis plan in
place, both for the caregiver and the child. A crisis plan should include a safe place to stay,
friends or relatives who can help with childcare, transportation and financial support.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
As many as ten million children and adolescents witness violence between their caregivers each
year. This kind of violence is called domestic violence or intimate partner violence. The US
Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any
relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another
intimate partner.” Domestic violence can be verbal, physical, sexual, or psychological. Domestic
violence can occur between heterosexual or same sex couples.
Parents or caregivers involved in a violent relationship may think that the fighting does not affect
their children. Even children who do not see domestic violence are affected by the conflict in the
family. Children may develop serious emotional and behavioral problems. These problems are
not always recognized by their parents or caregivers. As a result, children do not always get the
help they need.
When there is domestic violence between partners, there is often child abuse as well. Sometimes
children get hurt accidentally. Children need to be assessed for their health and safety when
domestic violence occurs.
Symptoms to watch out for in young children include:
• Anxiety or increased fear
• Depression
• Loss of interest in school, friends or other things they enjoyed in the past
• Sleep problems including nightmares or bedwetting
• Increased aggression
• Anger
• Spending more time alone
• Fighting at home or at school
• Bullying or being bullied
• Changes in appetite
Symptoms to watch out for in adolescents include:
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Skipping school
• Changes in peer groups
• New rebellious or oppositional behavior
• Declining grades
• Social withdrawal
• Depression or anxiety
• Loss of interest in school, friends or other things they enjoyed in the past
Children and adolescents exposed to domestic violence should be evaluated by a trained mental
health professional. There are good treatments for the emotional and behavioral problems caused by domestic violence. Treatment can include individual, group or family therapy, and in some
cases, medication may also be helpful. It is critical for the child/children and victimized parent to
receive treatment in a setting where they feel safe.
It is important to remember that the non-abusive parent needs support as well. There is no typical
victim—domestic violence can happen to anyone. Shame or embarrassment often gets in the way
of victims getting help.
If domestic violence happens once, it usually happens again. It is important to put a crisis plan in
place, both for the caregiver and the child. A crisis plan should include a safe place to stay,
friends or relatives who can help with childcare, transportation and financial support.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
