The impact of domestic violence on children

Abstract

The aim of this research study is to bring more awareness on the brutality of domestic violence and its impact on child witnesses. This study took place among battered women who found refuge at Dar Merħba Bik and the shelter pertaining to the agency Appoġġ. Ten women were interviewed as to what kind of abuse they -were subjected to and if they believed that their situation was effecting their children. It resulted that almost all women reported that the abuse they suffered at the hands of their respective husband/partner affected their children negatively. Children witnesses were found to suffer from various effects, such as somatic pains, aggressiveness, imitation of the abuse, over attachment to mother, isolation, bed-wetting and fear. It also resulted that at present time in Malta there is not much help available to the children who are in the presence of domestic violence.