Children are harmed by seeing domestic abuse
Barnardos’ plea for better support services
WITNESSING violence at home can leave kids with deep emotional scars and is a form of child abuse, Barnardos said yesterday.
The children’s charity said youngsters are too often the forgotten victims if they don’t have anyone to protect them.
Barnardos made the warning as it unveiled its What’s The Harm? initiative – a child-centred response to domestic abuse.
It wants to see supports put in place for victims and their kids.
Plans include improved child protection in domestic violence legislation, family support services to be freely available and dedicated therapeutic services for youngsters.
Barnardos also believes there should be free legal aid and domestic abuse awareness and education programmes for primary and secondary schools.
The charity’s chief Fergus Finlay said: “It should be obvious that even if children aren’t direct victims, they are indirectly experiencing domestic abuse if it is happening in their home.
“Living in an abusive environment leaves a massive emotional scar on a child and often results in deep anxiety or aggressive outbursts, never mind the impact on their health, schooling, peer relationships and other developmental aspects. It is a form of child abuse.
“Without the appropriate support there is a huge risk of irreparable damage to the child-parent relationship, and, frighteningly, the cycle of abuse continuing. This is because research shows children who grow up experiencing domestic abuse are more likely to become perpetrators or victims in their adult life.”
The report also contained several harrowing case studies from kids who have seen domestic violence. One four-year-old said: “Daddy bit mummy’s face. I was very scared. I told him to stop.” A seven-year-old told the charity they blamed themselves when their parents fought.
They said: “I know it’s my fault when mammy and daddy fight. I can be naughty sometimes.”
Karen Hughes, Barnardos Project Worker, stressed the need for improved services to help these vulnerable victims.
Ms Hughes said: “While we do all we can to support families to feel safe in their home, to understand it is not their fault and to rebuild the mother’s confidence in her parenting, we cannot provide all the solutions.”
For more information or to donate see www.barnardos.ie