The affect of domestic violence on children

Running Head : CHILDREN AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence and Its Effects on Children 's Identity Formation : A Research Proposal (Name (College (Instructor (Course

I . Introduction

Violence in the home or "domestic abuse " has grown to be one of society 's most shameful scourges . In addition to the subordinated spouse , the children of violent homes must also be considered as victims whether or not they have been physically abused or not . While the many methods by which abuse is inflicted vary , the effects it has on the mental and emotional health of

its victims remain alarming . Of all these effects , one of the most vital and long term ones is the effect on a child 's formation of gender and identity

Statement of the Problem

Childhood is typically the time where core values and identity is formed . Most theories on human growth and development advance the idea that individual identity is a result of combined internal and external factors in an individual 's environment . But what if that environment exposes a child to violence and abuse committed by his or her own parents ? This study aims to examine the implications and effects of exposure and experience of domestic violence in the home in relation to children 's formation and perception of identity

II . Review of Related Literature

At the mention of "domestic abuse " most people 's first reaction is "wife battery " or spousal abuse . However , It is not only the beleaguered spouse who suffers the effects of an abusive domestic life . Due to their age and dependence on their parents , children are among the hardest hit by the effects of domestic abuse . While they may not necessarily receive direct physical or verbal abuse from their parents , exposure to domestic violence alone can affect their cognitive development and perceptions not only of gender roles but also their sense of identity

Women are commonly the victims in abusive relationships . Because of their own coping problems and stress , their ability to function in their maternal parenting capacity is often impaired leaving the children to fend for themselves in terms of interpreting and developing a form of understanding of their home situation (Levendosky and Graham-Bermann 2001 , pp .172-173

The ways and degrees by which children are exposed to domestic violence vary . In some cases of spousal battery , pregnant women have had their bellies punched by their husbands . In other cases , the children are hit while in the act of defending their mothers or distracting their fathers (Laing , 1

A study conducted by English , Marshall and Stewart (2003 ) reveal that the effects of domestic violence are not limited to children who directly experience it . Even just by witnessing the action of violence may affect a child 's perception of relationships and violence (p .44

Children who have been exposed to domestic violence are observed to demonstrate learning and intellectual impairment . Such learning includes verbal and problem solving skills as well as cognitive development and reasoning . They may also experience difficulties developing social skills and interpersonal relationships...