Domestic Violence and its Affects on Teens

Domestic violence and its Affects on Teens

2006

Domestic violence may occur between any of a family 's constituent elements . In the United States , despite methodological difficulties in reporting and surveying , it is estimated to be most common between husbands and wives , and parents and children (Gelles 49 . Most often victims are women or children (Straus 17

An enormous number of individuals are affected as aggressors , victims or witnesses . In 1985 a nationwide random sample survey indicated that 10 .7 percent of children during the previous year "had been the victim

br of a severe violent act (Biglan , Lewin Hops 107 . A 2003 national survey found that 34 percent of "adults in the United States witnessed a man beating his wife or girlfriend and . 14 percent of women report that a husband or boyfriend has been violent with them . [and] as many as 30 percent of women treated in emergency departments (EDs ) have injuries or symptoms related to physical abuse ( McLoughlin Lee , Letellier Salber 617-619 . In the family setting , incidents of violence often reoccur , escalate , spread to include other family members , and have transgenerational effects

A recent study undertaken by Mullender highlights an emerging concern about young people 's attitudes to violence . The study was of 1 ,300 young persons between the ages eight to sixteen from Bristol , North London and Durham Most knew that domestic violence is common and considered fighting between parents to be wrong The majority felt it was worse for men to hit women as men are stronger Most , especially teenagers , considered threats to be as bad as actual violence Out of those questioned 75 per cent thought children living with domestic violence could do something practical , i .e . calling the police or telling someone

Perhaps more importantly , the study showed that Over 75 per cent of 11-12-year-old boys thought that women get hit if they make men angry , and more boys than girls , of all ages , believed that some women deserve to be hit Boys aged 13-14 were even less clear that men should take responsibility for their violence Boys of all ages , particularly teenagers , appeared to have less understanding than girls did , of who is at fault , and more commonly excused the perpetrator

Undoubtedly , healthcare professionals should never lose sight of the fact that whilst there may be no evidence of direct abuse , young adults from abusive and violent homes do experience various negative consequences . The seriousness of these may not be manifested for many months or even years , but must never be underestimated . The healthcare professional has a responsibility to respond to the child 's actual and potential needs within established frameworks of child protection and confidentiality . For this to succeed , health organizations have to take due care by ensuring that appropriate policies , or protocols , informed by national guidelines , are in place , and that staff are both aware of and able to operate within them

Adolescents ' responses vary enormously with some teens being affected far more than others , and teenagers within the same family...