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Children suffer too
Unfortunately the longer you
stay in an abusive relationship,
the greater the psychological
and physical damage not
only to you but to your
children. Even if they are not
experiencing physical violence
against them they will be hurt
by what they are seeing and
hearing in the home. Typical
signs of distress amongst
younger children include:
• fearfulness
• bedwetting
• violent beaviour
• inability to concentrate
(e.g. at school)
• behavioural problems.
If the pattern of abuse
continues a child potentially
could also show the following:
What you can do
If you are a victim of domestic
abuse, or know someone
who is, then it is essential
that you seek help as soon as
possible. It can be difficult and
frightening to do so, especially
if you are being abused; many
victims leave several times but
return again until they realise
These effects don’t just stop
they need to get away for good.
at childhood either. They can
A good idea is to start talking
carry on into their adult lives,
to people you trust – your GP,
profoundly affecting their
health visitor, friends and
relationships with others,
family if possible.
either turning them into victims Inform your child’s school of
or abusers, thereby continuing