Witnessing spousal abuse as a child is a traumatic experience that can have grave consequences, in not only the young, but also in the manifestation of brutal repercussions in adulthood. Experiencing the disturbances of abuse in their formative years has a profound impact on children; they are more susceptible to becoming perpetrators or victims of violence themselves and are at greater risk for emotional, behavioral and developmental difficulties.
Aggression
Watching a parent who is being beaten by another adult makes an impression on a child---one that often causes him to imitate the observed behavior. Aggressive behavior in a child is not only a reenactment of what he has witnessed, but it also an external expression of his internalized pain. Aggression may be discernible in biting, hitting or physically harming other children, adults or pets. Children may have uncontrollable outbursts of temper tantrums in which they may act violently or use threatening language.
Destruction
Destroying property is another manner in which children may express the pain of observing abuse. The child has witnessed a lack of respect for people and objects, and therefore doesn't place the value he should on either. Destruction of property is a manifestation of his inherent anger from the pain that he doesn't yet know how to properly compartmentalize. He may have a fascination with fire, drawing on the walls or destroying something that he has just seen someone take time to build. You may also observe this behavior in actions that are damaging to his physical safety; self-mutilation is common among adolescent children who have observed family violence.
Non-Compliance
Children display reactions of abuse in causing problems with peers and adults. They may manipulate, lie, cheat and disobey those around them; this may be in an attempt to have control over the powerlessness they have felt in the past. Children who have been exposed to violence have a desire to control the chaos around them. Observing this cycle of violence has enabled fear and self-esteem issues that may be externalized in non-compliance at home, at school and ultimately with the law.
Member Comments