Domestic abuse can impact a child before they are born. Pregnant women experiencing domestic violence may cope in ways that can harm the fetus, such as smoking, substance use, and malnutrition. The consequences of these coping mechanisms cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or low weight at birth. An abusive partner may become jealous about the pregnancy and become excessively controlling. In severe cases, the abuser may abuse physically to provokean early birth or miscarriage. It is vital to be aware of the signs of abuse before it has severe and permanent impacts, such as the examples noted above.

Infancy (birth to 12 months)

In a home with a child, the abusive parent may be jealous of the baby’s need for time and attention. They may use abusive tactics to ensure the non-abusive parent does not put the child’s needs first. When babies do not have a routine and their needs are unmet, they may become upset and loud, especially when the home is already chaotic. These babies are more prone to getting sick, having difficulty sleeping, and eating problems. Also, parents impacted by domestic abuse may have difficulties meeting their baby’s needs due to exhaustion, depression, substance abuse, financial difficulties, physical impairments, etc. As a result, the relationship between parent and baby is hindered, and the baby may lack the ability to thrive.

Toddlers and Preschool Children (1 to 4 years)

Toddlers exposed to domestic violence at home and physically abused are more prone to complex psychosocial development. Young children may develop emotional difficulties, including separation anxiety from the non-abusive caregiver. Due to their age and the violence at home, preschool children have challenges coping with their emotions. They may react in various ways, including disengagement, isolation, nervousness, aggressive behaviours, sleep difficulties, repetitive play, lack of independence, tantrums, and diminished understanding. Also,when a child expresses or appears hesitant to go home after school or is frightened around a parent, these are signs to seek further information for the child’s safety. At school, it is noteworthy for staff and teachers to recognize these side effects of abuse in the child’s home and to take appropriate measures for the child.

School Age Children (5 to 10 years)

School-age children exposed to domestic violence in their homes may exhibit similar impacts noted above for toddlers and preschool children. Schoolchildren between 5 and 10 years old may also experience separation anxiety from a non-abusive caregiver. They may be anxious, clingy, pretend to be sick, or act disruptive to be sent home from school. Children between these ages living in abusive households are prone to physical impacts, such as eating disorders, injury to self or others, and conditions caused by stress, including asthma and bronchitis. Emotional effects of exposure to violence at home include sleep difficulties, isolation, guilt and self-blame, depression, low self-esteem, and insecurities. Children may act disruptive at school, with attention and concentration challenges and non-attendance. School-age children may also experience behavioural impacts, such as aggression and anger, unpredictable actions, and hyperactivity. As a result of witnessing or hearing the abuse at home, children are more prone to being a victim or perpetrator of bullying. They are likely to be hypervigilant and hyper-aroused while at school, continuously on watch for danger. Lastly, School children between 5 and 10 years old exposed to abuse at home are more likely to have challenges with their cognitive skills, including language development and school achievement.

Adolescents (11 to 18 years)

Adolescents or young people may display indications of violence within their homes, including eating disorders, self-blame, depression, low social networks, and dissatisfaction with school. More severe impacts of domestic violence include self-harm, suicidal ideation, risk behaviours, substance use, and criminal activities. Girls and boys are susceptible to anxiety and depression due to exposure to violence at home; however, there are gender differences in how they cope with their symptoms. Girls are more likely to internalize their symptoms through isolation, whileboys are more likely to externalize their symptoms through violent or antisocial actions. Research shows active listening, taking young people’s concerns and challenges seriously, and collaboratively finding ways to cope are helpful methods in helping adolescents who experiencedomestic violence at home.

Chance of Homelessness

All children living in a home with domestic abuse face the threat of homelessness, at least temporarily. Non-abusive parents may suddenly decide to leave the abusive relationship for safety concerns. The children may have to live with other family members or friends in an overcrowded home for a time. In some circumstances, the non-abusive parent and their children may also face homelessness until they get back on their feet. Homelessness and overcrowded living accommodations are not ideal for children’s education. Their environment may be unstable; they may have to move often and live long distances from their school. These children may not have the space in their living environment to study or have no or limited access to a computer for their schoolwork. Thus, they experience anxiety, lack of sleep, and stress, which can impede their performance at school.