Whats it like for children to grow up in a violent home?
In general, they experience: • Danger: Often children are the intended victim of one or both parents. Other times children get caught in the middle and are hurt or killed “by accident.” • Chaos: Children may never know what to expect at home. Their parents’ moods can change instantly from loving to enraged. • Fear and tension: The daily anger and violence create a living nightmare for the children, who may grow up being afraid of everything and trusting no one. • Confusion: Children often receive mixed messages. For example, at school they learn that hitting is wrong, but at home they learn that hitting is used to “solve” problems. • Isolation: Often an abusive parent shuts off the family from the outside world, and the children may withdraw from their friends and other adults as well. • Hopelessness: Children may blame themselves for the violence but feel powerless to prevent, stop or escape from it. • Development of a “Love/Hate” Relationship with Parents • Children may feel protecti
