What is Family Violence and how does it impact on Children

Malcolm Turnbull called it “a disgrace” saying that “domestic violence against women and children is always wrong.” Learn more about the effects that domestic and family violence can have on children here.

Australia has a serious problem with domestic and family violence. In 2012, 60% of children between the ages of four and nine had their first experience of family violence. In 2014 alone nearly 70,000 children told homeless organisations that they need help because of family violence and abuse. At the most extreme the National Children’s Commissioner has reported that 1 child is killed by a family member every fortnight.  It is obvious to everyone that family violence has damaging effects on children physically, emotionally and psychologically.

What is Family Violence?

Under the Family Law Act, family violence is any violent or threatening behaviour that controls, or causes another person in the family to be fearful. This definition highlights the many different ways that family violence can happen. It can be direct, like physically assaulting someone; or it could be verbal, like threatening someone. It can also be a child overhearing a threat, or helping a parent who has been assaulted to clean up after the assault.

How does Family Violence affect children?

Just like the different ways it is experienced, family violence also has a wide range of effects on children. It is important to understand that the effects of family violence varies between children of different ages, and they are effected even if they have not been exposed to violence directly from a parent.

How do children experience Family Violence?

Children experience family and domestic violence if they:

• Witness violence;

• Are exposed to violence; and

• Are directly abused

Common effects of family violence on children include mood problems, aggression, anti-social behaviour, low self-esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, and difficulties at school.

When exposed to family violence many children feel different emotions which makes it confusing for them to understand what is going on. They might fear for their own safety, feel sympathetic towards the victim, while at the same time feeling responsible to make sure that it does not happen again.

Long term effects of family violence include homelessness and health issues. A child’s psychological health can be effected in the short and long term. Living in a home with domestic violence increases a child’s risk of developing drug and alcohol abuse.

Earlier this year the Australian Government began an advertising campaign to change Australian’s attitudes towards domestic and family violence. One of the main reasons is the damaging effects it has on children.

Wayne Dawkins has the experience to help you if you or your child has been a victim of family violence or you are a perpetrator looking to change. Give Wayne a call on 9214 3887 to see what legal options are available to help or submit your request and Wayne will call you back.