Domestic abuse doesn’t just affect the woman; it has a profound and lasting impact on children who witness or experience it. Here at Juno, we help women and children to find freedom and work through the difficulties they have faced. Understanding the effects domestic abuse has on children is essential to providing the support they need.
You are not to blame
If you are a Mum and feeling upset reading this, please know that we understand your situation. No one here would ever criticise or blame you. We know you are trying to keep your children safe. But you do need to reach out and get help. And here at Juno, we can help you confidentially and sensitively. You and your children are a phone call away from taking the first step into a better life.
Emotional Impact
Children exposed to domestic abuse often experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may struggle to form trusting relationships because they can’t understand what is happening. They will be confused as to why their father, step-father or other family member is abusive. They may feel helpless and hopeless, and these are very strong negative emotions.
Children may carry feelings of guilt or shame. If they themselves are being hurt physically, emotionally and verbally, this will have a profound impact on them.
We know that children often want to protect their mother from being physically hurt, but that this can make them the target of abuse too. Sometimes, this ends tragically, or it can have a devastating impact and upsetting consequences.
Children from domestic abuse backgrounds will not understand what a healthy relationship looks like. This can hugely affect their relationships in adult life. Relationships may suffer because of the things they have witnessed.
It may be hard for them to assert boundaries, and make healthy connections, which could leave them vulnerable and easy to exploit. Some children of women who have been abused will go on to be abused in their own adult relationships. Or it may make them act out aggressively themselves because they saw this in childhood and are modelling the behaviour they witnessed.
Children who have witnessed or experienced abuse need professional help to overcome the consequences. We can help with this and we would like to help with this.
Behavioural Changes
Witnessing abuse can lead to changes in behaviour, such as aggression, withdrawal, or difficulty concentrating. Some children may copy abusive behaviours, which can be distressing for the Mum and other family members.
Children can carry out acts of bullying or violence, which can affect their education and friendships. Other children may become overly compliant or people-pleasers. This leaves them prone to danger and exploitation, as they do not know how to recognise or enforce their own boundaries.
And as mentioned above, any of these situations can lead to difficulties in relationships when they become adults.
Developmental Effects
Exposure to abuse can affect a child’s cognitive and social development. They may have trouble learning, forming friendships, or regulating their emotions. These issues can have long-term consequences.
We all like to think we are giving our children the best start in life. Yet children who witness or experience domestic abuse are at a huge disadvantage. Children who have difficulties learning may struggle to achieve stable employment in the future. And children who lack social skills or emotional regulation may have difficulties with adult situations and relationships.
Breaking the Cycle
Children who grow up in abusive environments are at higher risk of becoming vulnerable to abuse. Or they may become perpetrators of abuse themselves. Early or even late intervention and support can help break this cycle and foster healthy, non-violent behaviours. It is crucial to reach out and get support in this. It is never too late to ask for help or for the situation to change.
At Juno, we have a great deal of experience in this. We are professionals but not professionals with clipboards and a stuffy attitude. We are a team of supportive women, and many of us have been through the same circumstances as you. That’s why we know you can break the cycle. And why we want you and your children to live a life free from fear. Because that’s what you all deserve – to be free and to be happy.
Final Thoughts
Children are resilient, and with the right support, they can overcome the challenges posed by domestic abuse. We have helped lots of Mums and children find safety, and work through the issues they have experienced. Will you let us help you build a brighter, safer future for you and your children? Simply pick up the phone and call or email us. There’s no pressure, just warmth and support waiting for you.
Juno Help
Calls to our helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
Many of our helpline operators have been in your shoes. They know the way you are feeling. They understand fear, worry, guilt and shame. But they know that those feelings keep you and your children stuck. They will go with you at your pace. If you want to call just to have a chat, that’s fine.
Everything is confidential. So, get in touch and let us help you, and your children.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
National Help
If you’re further afield, you could contact other charities like Women’s Aid, who have instant messaging and email contact on their website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) also provide confidential support. They can help you make a safety plan, find safe housing, and access legal protections.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).