Domestic Violence on Child

Domestic violence and child abuse are not abnormal or random behaviors; they are long-standing socioeconomic problems. Both are acknowledged as valid elements of our culture. In contrast, child abuse issues have not yet received the same level of political attention as domestic violence, despite being one of the most established and ubiquitous kinds of violence in our society today. This is true despite the fact that thousands of women and children in Australia suffer physically, emotionally, and sexually as a result of acts of domestic violence every year.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence refers to any violence committed by a member of the victim's family. This includes spouses, former spouses, members of the close family, extended relatives, and close friends. When the offender and the victim have a close relationship, the phrase "domestic violence" is used.

What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse encompasses more than just physical abuse. Any sort of adult mistreatment that is aggressive or threatening to the child qualifies as abuse. This includes carelessness. Domestic violence happens when a child is abused at home, whether the abuser is the child's parent or caregiver, for instance.

What is Domestic Violence on Child?

Many types of violence can be used against children, and it can occur both at home and in the community. In addition to sexual assault and romantic violence, other forms of violence include assault linked to gang and peer violence, child maltreatment, bullying, and physical altercations between peers.

Nature of Domestic Violence on Child

Women are the most common victims of domestic abuse, however the subject of domestic abuse against children is little or never addressed in the literature. This shows that most individuals are ignorant of the terrible consequences of such brutality against children. As a result, strict legislation prohibiting child abuse must be passed by all national governments.

There are two sorts of domestic abuse that children worldwide are exposed to −

• The first method is corporal punishment, wherein the child's parent(s) or guardian(s) uses physical force to force the youngster to behave in line with their set of rules. Slapping, thrashing, and belting are a few examples of physical punishment. When children refuse to follow orders from their parents or other adult guardians, they are subjected to corporal punishment. This includes requiring a youngster to consume a product or engage in an activity against their will.

• The other type of domestic violence perpetrated against children is psychological violence, in which the child's parent(s) or guardian(s) use physical force to affect the child's mind or conscience. It entails instilling a sense of dread or intimidation in the child without the use of physical force, instead using verbal communication techniques including aggressiveness, threats, guilt, manipulating the child's emotions, withholding love from the child, etc.

Impact of Domestic Violence on Child

The impacts of domestic abuse on kids have a significant impact on their health and developmental progress. Children who witness domestic violence in the home frequently feel guilty, constantly fear for their safety, and are 15 times more likely to experience child maltreatment. A close observation of a situation during an interaction can help professionals recognize the need for additional research and intervention, such as for dysfunctions in the physical, behavioral, emotional, and social spheres of life, and it can help with early intervention and support for child victims.

Child Domestic Violence and Its Consequences

The precise effects may differ depending on a variety of factors, including the ages of the children, the type and severity of the violence, the presence of other risk factors in the children's lives (such as poverty and parental substance abuse), and whether the children are also directly physically abused. In general, exposure to domestic violence throughout childhood has been linked to more aggressive behavior, an increase in mental issues like sadness and/or anxiety, a decline in social skills, and worse academic performance. According to current research, children who grow up in homes where domestic violence occurs are more likely to experience maladjustment than children who do not.

Children who have experienced domestic violence compare favorably to kids from nonviolent homes in one or more areas of development, including

• Externalizing tendencies (such as hostility and behaviour issues);

• Internalizing conduct (such as low self-esteem, worry, and depression);

• Cognitive and academic performance;

• Social development, such as social skills with peers and adults; and

• Physical growth and health.

Solutions for Domestic Violence on Child

Domestic abuse of children can occur in any home, regardless of wealth, religious convictions, caste, race, or creed. The likelihood of such abuse is higher in the following environments −

• Compared to parents who belong to an older age group, parents who are younger likely to use violence more often towards their kids.

• Uninformed or unaware parents are more likely to participate in this type of maltreatment.

• Domestic abuse is frequently experienced by disadvantaged children growing up.

• In a family where the parents are violent against one another, domestic violence against children is also prevalent.

• Children experience violence in a household that has a long history of using it.

Numerous in-depth studies and research have revealed that the following strategies can be used to combat child abuse or domestic violence against children −

• Every parent or legal guardian has a responsibility to show empathy for and attempt to comprehend their child's mental state.

• Denying a child their fundamental needs, such as food, sleep, care, etc., also qualifies as violence or abuse because it could result in the child experiencing emotional trauma.

• When children are at risk of using drugs or alcohol, it is best to seek assistance from a number of NGOs or institutions that are working to prevent such problems from becoming widespread in society.

• Any offensive language or expressions from parents must be avoided.

Conclusion

Several concerns that are prevalent in society, such as domestic violence or child abuse, have been overshadowed. Domestic violence against children is made even worse in countries like India, where there is currently no law in place that specifically addresses the problem. As a result, the children of this nation are victims of such crimes because there are no strict regulations that can shield them from those who commit such crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How does violence affect a child's brain?

Ans. Children and adolescents who experience violence are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among many other mental health issues.

Q2. What causes child violence?

Ans. The difficulties of raising a child become overpowering and can lead to abuse due to stress, exhaustion, poor parenting abilities, and a lack of family support. Isolation and lack of support, such as the absence of family members, friends, partners, or community assistance, can lead to child abuse.

Q3. Is domestic violence good or bad?

Ans. Domestic abuse is unacceptable. Moreover, it may impair health and shorten life. Sexually transmitted illnesses, low birth weight, early birth, and mental health problems, including a four and a half times higher risk of suicide, are all elevated by domestic violence.

Q4. What is domestic violence in simple words?

Ans. Domestic violence occurs when a member of the victim's household commits a violent act. This includes current and former spouses, members of your direct family, extended relatives, and close family friends. When there is a close link between the offender and the victim, the phrase "domestic violence" is employed.

Q5. How does domestic violence affect a child?

Ans. Adult health issues are more likely to affect children who witness or experience emotional, physical, or sexual abuse as children. They may consist of mental health issues including depression and anxiety.