Domestic violence and awareness doesn't end when October does.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the 'Day of Unity' in October 1981 as a way to connect advocates and unite organizations across the nation who were working to end violence against and raise awareness on issues related to women and their children.
Domestic violence creates a violent and hostile environment that can have devastating effects on children, both physical and emotional. Here are some scary facts about DV and children 🎃👻:
Children’s immediate reaction to experiencing or witnessing domestic violence include generalized anxiety, sleeplessness, aggression, difficulty concentrating/paying attention, nightmares, hyperactivity, and separation anxiety.
They are often used for threatening to gain sole custody, kill, kidnap or otherwise harm children if victims leave). 1 in 3 children who witness domestic violence are also child abuse victims.
Overtime, they become fearful in different settings and concerned for themselves, siblings, and their parents. They feel worthless and powerless and display depression and withdrawal. As they grow into adulthood, they are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse in their own relationships; they've learned that violence is an appropriate way to solve conflict. These children are 3 times as likely as their peers to engage in
violent behavior and more likely to be in abusive intimate partner relationships in the future (either as victims or perpetrators).
These children are also at greater risk of serious adult health problems including obesity, cancer, heart disease, depression, substance abuse, tobacco use and unintended pregnancies than peers who did not witness domestic violence.
Let's teach/model to kids what healthy relationships, conversations, and even endings, look like. Get involved in your community, connect with organizations and speak up when you can!
If you or someone you love is a victim of DV, reach out to the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat online at thehotline.org.
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