Any Domestic Violence is Bad

Any violence is bad, but witnessing violence towards someone you rely on for your safety and care is horrific. Children who live in a household with someone being emotionally or physically abused will no doubt be left with psychological scars commonly seen in traumatized individuals. Children could experience cognitive impairment, developmental delays and serious behavioral problems with long term exposure.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it’s a good time to bring awareness of an insidious crime that so many men and women are guilty of. Failure to protect is a serious offense in many states. The problem is that many women, for instance, caught in this situation are helpless to protect themselves. How can they protect anyone else?

We are all aware of women (and men) being brutally abused under the hands of an intimidating, manipulating partner who maintains power and control over them. Innocent children may not be the recipients of the abuse directly, but are nevertheless, experiencing the same fear, humiliation, shame and degradation as the victim.
There are no age brackets, racial groups, religious sects or financial levels that are exempt from experiencing domestic violence. If you or someone you know is caught in this situation, it is your duty to seek help – not only for yourself, but for the child. No one should be treated like a second class citizen in their own home. No one should feel unsafe in the one haven that should be your sanctuary. No one should be made to feel inferior or worthless as a result of the constant chipping away of your self-esteem. Your safety and the safety of the child is at stake and the only way to stop the cycle, is by taking charge of your life.

Therefore, contact your local domestic abuse hotline. Seek out support groups. Prepare your safety and escape plans and be sure to have the necessary support you need to make a safe break. Any violence is bad, but knowing how the violence can impact another individual – and doing nothing to stop it – is even worse. The key is to educate yourself so that you can make the best and healthiest decisions for yourself and those you love.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233