The impact of domestic abuse on children

Domestic abuse is not only traumatic for the victim, but can have an incredibly detrimental effect on witnesses or those who have overheard it or seen the aftereffects, many of whom are inevitably children in the home.

Research shows that children who experience domestic abuse are significantly more likely to suffer from emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties than those who do not, and that the impact can last into adulthood. These difficulties may include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, aggression, nightmares, bedwetting, sleep problems, self-harm and low self-esteem.

Acorns loves brains! They are so amazing. Sometimes our brains can respond in different ways after we have experienced hard things. These 2 videos are brilliant for showing us a little bit about how children and young people’s brains are impacted by trauma and what we can do as adults to help.