Children do not have the luxury of choosing the families or parents they are born into. Some children are born into happy and harmonious families, while others find themselves growing up in conflict-ridden households. Those raised in tumultuous environments are often exposed to domestic violence perpetrated by their parents. From an early age, these children are thrust into situations where they frequently witness their parents’ conflicts.
Children frequently express feelings of exhaustion and distress due to the constant fighting at home. The ideal image of parents who nurture and care for their children is starkly absent for those exposed to domestic violence. These children observe and internalize dysfunctional adult behaviors, creating deep-seated memories in their subconscious (Hall, 2019). Consequently, they grow up perceiving their parents as inadequate caregivers.
Many children exposed to domestic violence live in a perpetual state of fear, fatigue, and boredom due to the ongoing negative atmosphere at home. They develop a skewed perception of parenting, accepting violence as a norm (Huesmann et al., 2003; Van der Kolk, 2017).
The absence of positive parental figures profoundly affects children growing up in violent households. The impact of domestic violence extends beyond childhood, persisting into adolescence and adulthood. The continuous exposure to violence leaves an indelible mark on their psyche, causing lifelong trauma.
Children who witness domestic violence cannot escape their traumatic experiences, which haunt them persistently. Such exposure can lead to significant personality issues. Besides becoming aggressive and antisocial, these children may also become withdrawn and hypersensitive.
Personality traits in children exposed to violence are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Unlike their counterparts raised in stable families, these children may adapt well within their home environment but struggle to empathize and interact in broader social contexts. At home, they might appear accustomed to the chaos, but outside, their behavioral differences become starkly apparent. These children may display heightened sensitivity, coldness, and a lack of empathy and tolerance, setting them apart from peers who have not experienced such trauma.
The study also reveals that children often become indirect victims when their mothers are subjected to violence. This secondary victimization induces fear, especially when mothers vent their frustrations on their children. The exposure to domestic violence can lead to severe mental health issues, persisting into adulthood. Alarmingly, parents and the surrounding community often fail to recognize the mental health threats faced by these children.
Children living in violent households typically feel unsafe and lack a secure refuge. It is not surprising that many of these children grow up with a reluctance to marry, viewing marriage as an unsafe institution. Despite the overwhelming challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope among these children. While the detrimental effects of domestic violence are not always visible, they are profoundly damaging to children. Domestic violence impacts not only the direct victims but also the innocent children who witness such acts, leaving lasting scars on their lives.