Domestic Violence and Children

Every year 10-15 million children (29.4%) experience domestic violence in the United States.

Domestic violence has short and long-term physical, emotional, psychological and social effects on children.

Domestic violence not only affects children’s individual development but also their relationships with their parents, siblings, community and peers.

Children who have experienced domestic violence are more likely than others to engage in risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, multiple sexual partners and truancy.

Factors that Impact Latin@ Children

Acculturation Levels – Each member of the family may be at a different place in the acculturation process, so they may have difficulty understanding one another.

Language Barriers – Services are frequently only provided in English. As a result, children are often asked to translate for police officers, advocates, teachers and other professionals. Some children like being language brokers while others don’t.

Immigration Status – Children who are undocumented have limited access to services and resources. Documentation status usually determines whether a mother will report or seek help for her and her children.

How Can We Help?

Children and youth are highly resilient. The elements that help Latin@ children and youth cope already exist in their surroundings, families and culture. We can build resilience in children and youth by recognizing their most positive and strongest traits (artistic ability, writing & presenting skills, leadership capabilities, eagerness to serve others, etc.) and providing an opportunity to use them for themselves, their families and communities.

Some techniques that build resilience are:

• Encouraging or promoting a strong and healthy relationship between mother and child.
• Connecting children with teachers, coaches and other peers at school.
• Connecting children with community members in their neighborhoods.
• Providing opportunities for children to have mentors.
• Promoting positive emotional development by sending messages of trust, spirituality, strength and more.

We have developed multiple resources for children available for purchase online:

I Want to Tell You Something – bilingual workbook for children who have witnessed domestic violence

Elena and the Magic Beans – bilingual storybook encouraging children to share their feelings

What Are You Feeling? – bilingual flashcards to support children in expressing their emotions

Contact us at ourwork@casadeesperanza.org for more information and visit our Downloads & Links section for additional resources and information.