Effects on family life
Domestic violence can result in family members not feeling safe, and not trusting or feeling supported by others within the family. There can be a loss of confidence or low self-esteem in family members. It might also end in a separation or divorce.
Effects on the parents
The partner who is abused might feel:
intimidated, stressed, anxious, shamed, guilty, depressed and very alone
less able to cope with parenting
less able to cope with life.
The partner who abuses might feel:
frustrated
strong anger that’s hard to control
unappreciated by the family
less able to parent well
very alone.
Effects on children
Living with domestic violence affects children, both physically and emotionally. How badly they are affected will depend on their age, how long the violence has been happening and what happens. It can be hard for children to cope with the seesawing feelings at home as the pattern continues. Children often live in a constant state of anticipation, waiting for it to happen again.