Violence in the home affects children's development Published April 13, 2007 By 1st Lt. Shannon Bolen 60th Medical Operations Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Children who witness violence between adults in their home present a public health problem of tremendous proportions. Current findings suggest more than three million children per year may witness or be victims of violence in their homes nationwide. Childhood exposure to violence - whether seen or heard - has a devastating impact on development, emotional growth, cognitive development, physical health and school performance. Studies have found that children exposed to violence in the home, demonstrate more aggressive and fearful behaviors, as well as lower social competence than other children. In addition, there is an increased risk of more anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, anger and temperament problems than children who do not witness violence at home. These children are more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system and commit crimes at a younger age nearly twice as often as their peers who have not been exposed to violence. In regards to cognitive functioning and attitude, researchers suggest that a child's exposure to adult domestic violence may generate attitudes justifying their own use of violence. In turn, one of the most direct consequences of witnessing violence may be the attitude a child develops concerning the use of violence as conflict resolution. According to the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence, children communicate their worry and concern over witnessing violence in many different ways. Helpful guidelines when considering a distressing reaction in a child at different developmental stages include, but are not limited to, the following: Infants: fussing, sleep problems, disruptions in eating, withdrawal, lethargy and unresponsiveness Toddlers: sleep problems, disruptions in eating, increased tantrums, toileting problems, increased clinging to caretaker, withdrawal Preschool children: sleep problems, disruptions in eating, increased tantrums, bed-wetting, irritability and frustration, defiance, difficulty separating from caretakers, preoccupation with traumatic events School-age children: sleep problems, disruptions in eating, difficulty separating from caretakers, preoccupation with details of traumatic event, anxiety and aggression, school difficulties, problems with attention and hyperactivity Adolescents: sleep problems, preoccupation with details of traumatic event, hopelessness, anxiety and aggression, school difficulties, unrealistic sense of power and difficulties with relationships Domestic violence in a child's life not only hurts the child, but also impacts society. As an Air Force community, it's imperative that we educate ourselves and have parental awareness on how domestic violence impacts the safety, stability and emotional well-being of children, and is important in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. If you know a child that has been exposed to domestic violence, or if you are living with domestic violence, contact: Travis Air Force Base Family Advocacy Program 423-5168 Life Skills Support Center 423-5174 Airman and Family Readiness Center 424-2486 Military OneSource 1-800-342-9647 Domestic Violence Victim Advocate 423-5158 Community resources off base CPS Solano County 1-800-544-8696 Solano County Mental Health 435-2080 24-Hour Crisis Line 428-1131 Non-Emergency 1-800-547-0495