Should real love hurt? Domestic violence can affect a child’s mental health, even if they “only” witness their parent getting assaulted by their other parent. A traumatic experience like this can lead to child suicide or suicidal thoughts. According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse themselves are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems.” A child’s mental and physical health is seriously at risk after witnessing such a traumatic event, putting their mental health at risk. They could seek help from a professional therapist who could maybe help with their suicidal thoughts.
Domestic violence can damage a person’s life, especially the lives of children. Kids who witness their parents abusing one another could really be affected because they might keep thinking about it, and their mental health could be at risk due to the stress and the thoughts of child suicide. According to the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), “Children, who grow up witnessing domestic violence, are among those seriously affected by this crime. Frequent exposure to violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life – therefore, increasing their risk of becoming society’s next generation of victims and abusers.”
To help mitigate the negative impact imparted upon a child witnessing domestic violence amongst their parents, they could seek help, such as therapy. According to the Office on Women’s Health (OASH), “Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy or counseling that may work best for children who have experienced violence or abuse. CBT is especially helpful for children who have anxiety or other mental health problems as a result of the trauma.” This evidence from the OASH conveys how seeking help, like therapy, for children after witnessing domestic violence could help children by having the therapist talk to children about witnessing a sad fight with their parents. Also, therapists can help children by telling them that it’s not their fault.
Children who grow up witnessing their parents abuse each other should seek help, such as therapy. Therapists can help children by talking to them after witnessing such a sad incident, and help them understand that it wasn’t their fault, which can change a child’s perspective.
