Wednesday, August 6, 2008

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE


Their safe little world becomes a battleground!

No one would argue that a child would be frightened by witnessing outright violence between the parents. To observe them constantly bickering can have a damaging effect. A husband and wife who are always sniping at one another are not the only ones who suffer from the perpetual friction. Studies have shown that children who experienced frequent episodes of parental conflict in early childhood are at greater risk of being violent themselves in adolescence and adulthood. Their safe little world becomes a battleground. They begin to feel insecurity, worried that their parents are heading for separation. They often act as mediators in their parents’ quarrels.

Witnessing of abuse is usually combined with other childhood experiences that negatively affect children's emotional and social functioning, such as harsh discipline, lack of emotional support and affection and poor parental supervision, all of which have shown to be associated with subsequent violent behavior. Young boys' witnessing of abuse of their mothers has been identified as the most consistent risk factor for engaging in intimate partner violence later in life. It is impossible and not even a good idea to hide traces of marital conflict from children. By watching how their parents interact, they learn that conflict is a part of marriage. What is important is how that conflict is expressed. It is better for kids to see their parents have a fight in which each of them is expressing his or her personality. That way they know that fighting is sometimes a natural part of relationship, which can be resolved.

Prevention of domestic violence is essential both in its own right and as part of efforts to reduce broader violence and crime in society.

12 comments:

Stephen A. Bess said...

This is a very important message. Thank you.

Bay Martin said...

Hi Stephen,

Many thanks for the visit. I witnessed a lot of verbal and physical abuses of women in the neighborhood. I keep thinking why women stay with abusive husbands. Is it love, fear, or plain stupidity. We may never know!

Allen's Darling said...

This is very true, and its one of good quality post kuya onchong...Kudos. Me, hmmn no time to research so my post is all about my habit only.See you around...

Anonymous said...

A very interesting entry. It reminds me of our neighbor, who abused his wife, physically, emotionally, and verbally.

Bay Martin said...

Hi Allen's darling, many thanks for the visit and for leaving a comment. I wonder why women stay in a very abusive relationship.

Bay Martin said...

Monching, para kang chameleon, you keep changing names. Anyways, that's fine with me.

Yes, I too, have and still witnessing abusive relationships. We had a neighbor, who made his two wives lived together in one house. The children of the original wife were so embarrassed of the situation, but couldn't do anything. We emphatized with their plight.

Anonymous said...

We often call abused women "pa-martir."

Bay Martin said...

Yes, of course! The question is, why do they allow these abuses in their lives!

Anonymous said...

I came across one website about abused children and women. I'll get the URL and send it to you asap. Abuses are committed every minute, or probably every second of the day!

Anonymous said...

I have no ready answer to your Q. Ako naman ay biktima ng karahasannnn!!! Pito sila hu hu hu!!!

Bay Martin said...

Please send the url when your time permits you to. Puro ka kalokohan talaga. I don't believe you were a victim, talagang binigay mo ha ha ha ha!!!

Anonymous said...

I was a willing victim of ativan gang hu hu hu ngekkk!!!