65 continued The impact of family violence on children The term family violence refers to violent or abusive behaviour in the home directed toward one or more persons. It is estimated that 3 to 10 million children witness family violence each year. The National Woman Abuse Prevention Project reports that children are present in 41 to 55 per cent of homes where police respond to domestic violence calls. Victims of violence Experts believe that 5070 per cent of men who abuse their partners also abuse children in the home. In homes with four or more children, the figure jumps to over 90 per cent. The impact of physical violence directly aimed at a child is both obvious and measurable by injuries sustained. According to the March of Dimes, battering during pregnancy is the leading cause of birth defects and infant mortality – more than the birth defects caused by all of the diseases for which people are routinely inoculated, combined. Children are often unintentionally injured when furniture is overturned or objects are thrown. Older children are injured when they try to intervene and protect their mother or siblings. They become victims of violence by being caught in the crossfire. Witnesses to violence Onethird of the children who witness violence in the home demonstrate significant behaviour and/or emotional problems, including psychosomatic disorders, stuttering, anxiety, bed wetting, excessive crying and anger, and problems in school. It is important to note that children can be adversely affected just by overhearing arguments, even when physical violence is not present. The Impact of FamilyViolence on Children Designed by Freepik www.rnca.ca
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