The Numbers
True or False: Children have to be physically abused themselves to be affected by domestic violence
False. Simply witnessing violence can significantly affect development.
A child hears parents yelling every night but never sees anyone get hit. Could they still be affected?
Yes.
When children grow up walking on eggshells, what are they learning their brain has to do?
Stay alert for danger.
What's one healthy way to calm yourself before responding in conflict?
Take a break, breathe, walk away, grounding.
A child watches a parent stay calm during an argument.
Answer: "Big feelings can be handled without violence."
Children exposed to domestic violence are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and what other major problem later in life?
Entering unhealthy or violent relationships.
Name one emotion a child may feel during domestic violence.
Fear, confusion, guilt, sadness, helplessness, shame.
Children often learn that love and fear happen at the same time. What can that make relationships feel like later?
Confusing. They may mistake anxiety for love.
Name one person children should never be expected to be.
The therapist.
The referee.
The protector.
The parent.
A parent apologizes after yelling and changes their behavior.
Adults can take responsibility and repair relationships.
True or False: Babies are too young to remember domestic violence
False. Even infants experience stress through their nervous systems.
Why might a child blame themselves for the violence?
Children naturally think they're the cause because they don't understand adult problems.
If a parent is unpredictable, children may become overly responsible or constantly try to make everyone happy. What is this called in everyday language?
People-pleasing or becoming the "fixer."
Question:
True or False:
Apologizing to your child after losing your temper can actually strengthen trust.
Answer:
True.
A child sees one parent insult the other.
"Love includes disrespect." (Or "It's okay to put someone down.")
Experiencing domestic violence during childhood increases the likelihood of repeating the cycle as either a victim or perpetrator—but does it guarantee it?
No. Healing, healthy relationships, and treatment can interrupt the cycle.
Name one behavior children may show after witnessing abuse.
Aggression, withdrawal, nightmares, anxiety, school problems, bedwetting, perfectionism, people-pleasing.
Why might someone raised in domestic violence become attracted to emotionally unavailable partners?
Because chaos can feel familiar and familiar can feel safe, even when it isn't healthy.
What's one thing parents can say after an argument to help children feel safe again?
Answer:
"This wasn't your fault."
"You didn't cause this."
"We're safe now."
A parent walks away to calm down instead of punching a wall.
Taking a break is a healthy way to manage anger.
According to research, what is one of the strongest protective factors that helps children recover after experiencing domestic violence?
Having at least one safe, stable, emotionally supportive adult relationship (such as a healthy parent, grandparent, relative, teacher, or mentor).
What do children usually need most after living in a violent or emotionally unsafe home?
Safety, consistency, emotional connection, and predictable caregivers.
Complete this sentence:
Children don't learn from what parents _______. They learn from what parents _______.
Say.
Do.
Question:
Healing starts with perfection or repair?
Answer:
Repair.
A parent consistently keeps promises and follows through.
People can be trusted.