Family Violence Statistics:
According to the 1999 General Social Survey 8% of Canadian woman and 7% of men have experienced violence in their intimate relationships in the last five years; approximately half of all victims suffer physical injury, and women account for 88% of those reported injuries. (Statistics Canada, 1999)The National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (1999) estimates that 8% of Canadian children between the ages of 4 and 11witness violence in the home. Information about children exposed to partner violence has limitations because it difficult to isolate the effects of exposure to partner violence on a child’s long term health and development from other risk factors.
Effects of Exposure to Violence on Children:
Behavioural - many studies of children exposed to violence have found higher rates of behavioural difficulties including physical aggression, indirect aggression, substance abuse, running away, and destruction of property.
Emotional - internalizing problems, including mood problems, low self-esteem, withdrawal, fear, anxiety, somatic complaints, suicidal ideation, and trauma symptoms.
Cognitive - a decrease in cognitive ability, including decreased information intake and processing ability, and lack of attention and/or underachievement in school.
Social - a negative effect on interpersonal problem-solving abilities, especially with respect to coping with interpersonal conflict.
Longer Term Effects - in adulthood, an association with higher levels of depression, anxiety, health-related concerns, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol use.
Protective Factors:
Research indicates that factors that protect children from long-term effects include:
1. extensive social support at the time of exposure to violence,
2. longer term secure attachment to friends, parents or family members, and
3. a supportive relationship in adulthood.
Ideas for Increasing Protective Factors
Safety and Stability - address the immediate needs of the non-abusive parent and child for safety and stability, including supporting their physical and psychological well being.
Safety Through Empowerment - a family's safety is best achieved through the empowerment of the abused victim.
Empowerment Strategies - a coordinated team approach, treating abused victims as "deserving", adopting pro-active response strategies, and ensuring that the woman's choices are recognized and respected.
Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte