Bshs 407 - Abuse

Abuse

Meagan Stanley

BSHS/407

January 9, 2017

Adam Chidekel

Abuse

Domestic violence refers to violence in a relationship between two intimate adult partners. It is estimated that there are 3.3 to 10 million children exposed to domestic violence in their own homes. According to Margolin & Gordis (2004), “exposures to domestic violence include watching or hearing violent events, direct involvement in abuse (trying to intervene or call authorities), or experiencing the aftermath (witnessing bruises/ abrasions or observing depression)” (p. 153). The effects of exposure to domestic violence vary. Some individuals may experience behavioral and developmental or issues with interpersonal relationships. All of the effects are detrimental to the development of children. This paper will explore the effects of partner abuse and how children are impacted.

Partner Abuse

It is estimated that 2 million to 4 million women in the United States are abused by their male partner each year. Many of these women are physically assaulted and severely injured and thousands of victims die each year because of the abuse they suffer (Mayo Clinic”, 2016). These statistics are shocking. Domestics violence is seen not only in physical abuse, but in psychological abuse as well. Domestic violence is a widespread issue in the United States. The issue of domestic violence is recognized in the United States and many people are working to correct the problem. Domestic abuse not only effects the victims, it also effects the individuals and children who are exposed to or witness such abuse.

Exposure to domestic abuse has many adverse effects on those who witness the abuse. Witnessing the abuses compromises the interpersonal relationships that are a key part of childhood development. These relationships help children feel safe and secure. However, children exposed to domestic violence are less likely to trust others and therefor do not develop good interpersonal relationships. According to Margolin & Gordis (2004), “Social support is a key buffer against the negative effects of violence. Because parents are key sources of social support, the disrupted parenting associated with family violence may exacerbate negative effects of exposure to violence. More generally, children exposed to violence may be sensitized to hostile interactions and may have difficulty negotiating peer conflicts. These interpersonal difficulties can rob children of social support and increase their risk for associating with deviant peers” (Margolin & Gordis 2004, 154). It has been reported that many children find it difficult to develop friendships because they have a fear of inviting other children into their home or they hold back from other individuals (Adams, 2006).