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Effects of Domestic Violence on
Children
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Infants & toddlers (0-2 1/2 years)
- Developmental delay
- Failure to thrive--due to the chaotic, loud and harmful environment
- Emotional withdrawal/low frustration tolerance
- Physical problems: frequent colds, ear infections, diarrhea
Pre-Schoolers (3-6 years)
- Developmental delay--especially in language development. The
child may be afraid to speak, afraid of becoming targets of danger. This
is due in part to not being spoken to by adults or experiencing meaningful
discussions with adults.
- Low frustration tolerance--Children cries easily and often.
His/her world is so chaotic that they cannot handle ordinary stress.
Usually has not witnessed appropriate ways of dealing with stress.
- Acting out aggressively toward peers and adults--modeling the
aggressive behaviors observed in the home.
- Emotional withdrawal--excessive thumb sucking, rocking, infant-like
behaviors. The child is seeking safety and security by reverting to
behaviors characteristic of a time when he/she felt secure.
- Inability to play constructively--lots of throwing or kicking, possibly
even destruction of playthings. Many children have not been shown how to
play. Children are working out their frustrations and worry in play.
- Inconsistent of inappropriate display of emotions--The result of the
child not learning appropriate emotional responses, as well as not being in
touch with their true feelings
School age Child (7-11 years)
- Scholastically delayed/poor school performance
- Behavior problems with peers and adults
- Aggressive acting out becomes more severe and purposeful
- Severe Behavioral difficulties
- Fearful/nightmares/night terrors
- Chronic physical complaints
- Beginning to mimic adults roles
- Chronic low self-esteem
Adolescence (12-17 years)
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Tom Green County 
