Developmental Issues and Treatment Recommendations for Children Who Witness Violence

www.yoursocialworker.com

Growing Up Right!

Developmental Issues and Treatment Recommendations for Children

Who Witness Violence

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSWwww.yoursocialworker.com


One, two, buckle my shoe…

The effects of witnessing domestic violence are different depending upon age of the child…


0 – 1 year old

Seeing it Hearing it Being awakened by it Being injured by it Being ripped from mother's arms Having toys broken Being born prematurely Being hit while in mom's arms Being thrown

Physical injury Death Fright Being traumatized by it Sleep disturbances Eating disturbances Being colicky or sick Insecurity because of being

cared for by a traumatized mom

Not responsive or cuddly

Ways of Being Drawn In Effects of Abuse

Source: http://www.familyrefugecenter.com/effecton.html


0 – 1 year old

What’s Going on Developmentally?


2 – 4 Year Olds

Seeing it Hearing it Trying to stop altercation Becoming abused themselves Being used as a physical

weapon against the victim Being interrogated by perpetrator

about victims activities Being held hostage by

perpetrator

Acting out violently Withdrawal Trouble with other kids Delayed toileting Eating problems Nervous, jumpy Sleep problems Insecurity, fear and Depression




2 – 4 Year Olds



5 – 12 Year Olds

Seeing & hearing it Picking 1 parent to defend Physically intervening Calling the police Running to neighbors for help Being used as a spy against

Mom Forced to participate in attack on

Mom Being physically or sexually

abused to control Mom Being restricted from contact with

others

Fear & insecurity Low self esteem Withdrawal/depression Running away Early drug/alcohol use School problems Bedwetting Sexual activity Becoming caretaker of adults Being embarrassed by one's

family




5 – 12 Year Olds



Teen Boys and Girls

Killing/trying to kill perpetrator Trying to stop the abuse Hitting parent or siblings Becoming physically abused Being used as a spy Being used as a confidante Being coerced by perpetrator to

be abusive to mom

School problems Social problems Sexual activity Shamed & embarrassed Truancy Super-achiever at school Tendency to get serious

relationships too early to escape home

Depression Suicide Alcohol/drug use Confusion about gender roles




Gender Specific Effects

Learning that males are violent Learning to disrespect women Using violence in his own

relationships Confusion or insecurity about

being a man Attacking parents or siblings

Learning that male violence is normal

Learning that women don't get respect

Accepting violence in her own relationships

Embarrassed about being female Becoming pregnant

Effects Specific to Boys Effects Specific to Girls



Teen Boys and Girls



When Intervening…

Safety first.


Safety First

The safety and security of the child is paramount. Do not assume the victim (parent) can provide for

the child’s security. The victim’s own distress or secondary problems

may over-ride their ability to care for the child. The victim may may use abusive of coercive

strategies to manage the child.


When Intervening…

Structure second.


Structure second

Daycare Women’s Shelter School Regular mealtimes / nutrition Regular bedtimes and wake-up time

Routine and Predictability Reduce Anxiety


When Intervening…

Treatment third.


Treatment Third

Consider “Safety” as “Treatment”Ceases exposure and prevents re-exposure

Consider “Structure” as “Treatment”Reduced anxiety through stability of routines


More Structural Interventions

Child

Family

Friends Home / Communit

y

School

STRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS is TREATMENT!!!


When Intervening…

and support throughout


Support Throughout

InstrumentalAccess to services (medical, social, educational)Daycare or school placementSupplies (from diapers to gym shorts)

EmotionalCounselling – group or individualA “safe place” or “buddy”


Emotional Support

Is this a resilient child? Are there indicators of disturbance? Does this child necessarily need counselling Might time and structural interventions

mitigate deleterious effects of witnessing DV?

If counselling is indicated, what type?


Types of Counselling

IndividualTalkArt/Play/Music

FamilyParent/child, sibling subgroup, entire family

GroupTalk vs. activity based


Violence Crosses gender

While violence against women by men is most talked about, women also perpetrate violence against men. Further violence can be an issue in same-sex relationships regardless of gender.

While raising violence against women still remains a difficulty in many jurisdictions, many men and same-sex couples find a greater stigma associated with raising the issue and hence these populations often go unserved.


General Goals of Counselling

Breaking the Silence – demystification Understanding Roles and Responsibilities Learning to Identify Feelings Managing Anger Identifying Social Supports Developing Confidence Learning about the Cycle of Violence Develop Conflict Resolution Skills Symptom Reduction Increasing Safety and Stability Dealing with Separations


Growing Up Right!

Developmental Issues and Treatment Recommendations for Children

Who Witness Violence

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSWwww.yoursocialworker.com

Developmental Issues and Treatment Recommendations for Children Who Witness Violence

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