What Are Affects of Witnessing Domestic Violence at a Young Age?

Published December 18, 2013

Question by Molly: What are affects of witnessing domestic violence at a young age?
So when I was really young till the age of about 10 my dad was violent to my mom. Not only did he beat her but he did it right in front of me without even caring. One time he even made me get off of my moms lap so he could hit her and I was really scared of him. There was also another time where I was on my moms lap and her and my dad were sitting on chairs in the kitchen and he was swinging a hammer in his hands and made me get off of her lap to hurt her. I almost called the police on my own father at the age of about 7 but got scared off him and hung up. One time I came home from school and there was blood splattered EVERYWHERE and u found out my dad did something and my mom was coughing and sneezing blood. I’ve always witnessed my dad abusing her. Police in and out of our house, her counting her bruises before going to the doctors and thinking up an excuse for each one..I’ve been through it all. Finally we had to escape at night while he was asleep with nothing but a bookbag and slippers. Is there anyway that this can effect who I am or my future? Is it possible that it has changed me? Basically, what are “side effects” of violence like this at a young age? Oh and I’m female and now I’m 16. Some of my problems are trouble in school (short attention span), fear of people, anxiety. Can my past be what caused them?

Best answer:

Answer by Petite
Absolutely. Witnessing domestic violence as a child long term effects. Girls who witness are more likely to be submissive and be victims of domestic violence themselves. Boys tend to be angry and are more likely to abuse there partners. Low self esteem, post traumatic stress disorder and depression are
only a few of the long term affects. I hope you get some counseling, talking helps.

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