How are families affected by domestic violence?

Domestic abuse undermines a mother's self confidence and emotional well being and may affect her ability to parent effectively. Through violence in the home children may suffer emotional and psychological damage as well as physical injury.

What happens to children?

• They may see their mums hurt, punched, hit, kicked, sexually assaulted
• They may hear their mums being abused
• They may be threatened or hurt themselves
• Favourite pets toys and possessions hurt or destroyed
• They may suffer repeated moves/changes/losses

For further information about the effects of domestic abuse/violence on children, visit 'The Effects' page.

"CHILD ABUSE by a MALE parent is 15 times more likely to occur in a home where Domestic Violence/Abuse is present…"