Fact or Fiction
Witnessing domestic violence means only seeing it.
Fiction - Witnessing can mean seeing, hearing, or observing the aftereffects of abuse.
If it were that bad, she/they would just leave.
Fiction - There are many reasons why people do not leave abusive situations. Not leaving does not mean that the violence is okay or that the person wants to be abused.
Sadness, hopelessness, inability to enjoy fun things
Depression
Fiction - Domestic violence affects everyone in the family.
The emotional responses of witnessing or experiencing domestic violence may include fear, guilt, shame, trouble sleeping, sadness, depression, and anger.
Fact- all of these may be ways that we respond to abuse.
Denial
Some people deserve to be hit.
Children never get over witnessing/experiencing domestic violence.
Fiction - Children may never forget what happened, but with care and support they can go on to have normal lives and healthy relationships.
Feeling guilty or responsible for the abuse that is happening to you.
Self-blame
Young children will not remember the violence they have witnessed.
Fiction - Children do not forget what they have witnessed or experienced.
Children who have witnessed/experienced domestic violence might feel guilty and that it is their fault.
Fact- Domestic violence is NEVER a child's fault. The person who chose to be violent is the one at fault.
Not spending time with friends and family doing activities we enjoy
Social isolation/withdrawal