Child Witnessing Domestic Violence At Home

[chrismism]

Hi there,

Just after a little help - I'm stuck on a question about domestic violence:

What are some possible signs that a child is witnessing domestic violence at home? Identify 6 that you may observe in an early childhood setting.
Signs that a child is witnessing domestic violence at home include:

I have answered

• Bruising to face, head or neck. Other bruising that may indicate that the child has been hit with an implement, hand prints or marks.
• Arriving at the service with lacerations, welts, bite marks, scratches, burns that heal at different rates, bone fractures, or scalds
• Drowsiness, vomiting or blood in the eyes which may indicate that a child has sustained a head injury or has been shaken.
• A child’s explanation of a sustained injury is not consistent with the extent or type of injury
• Child complains of pain in the abdomen
• Attending the centre in torn, stained or bloodied clothing
• Self harming behaviours such as swallowing poisons or alcohol

Apparently though I have included behaviours that are seen in other forms of abuse - I'm not sure what the question is specifically looking for. Any help would be much appreciated!

Chris

[Lorina]

Hi Chris,

The question is asking about the signs that the child displays if they are seeing domestic violence at home. The response you have added is more to do on what signs the child may have if they are being abused at home.

The following may help:

Child Witnessing Domestic Violence

,
Lorina

[chrismism]

Thanks, Lorina - the problem I was having was that witnessing domestic violence and experiencing domestic violence often go hand in hand. Thanks again!

[Lorina]

Yeah, you're right but not always... For example: if a husband gets drugged up/drinks and hits his wife it doesn't necessarily mean he will hit the child as well...

Makes me sick thinking about it... Hate these abuse scenarios...

,
Lorina