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For help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1–800–799–7233 or the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition at 1-800-897-5465.
Utah prides itself on being one of the most loving and family-friendly places. But behind closed doors, many families across our state struggle with the horrifying reality of domestic violence. Although recognized, another group of victims often disappears in the aftermath of incidents. These are the children who witnessed this violence.
In Utah, there is a cultural stigma that domestic violence is a private family matter. This secrecy, combined with the idea that the victim should simply “leave” the perpetrator, is a pervasive and toxic thought process. This mindset not only discourages victims from seeking help, but also reinforces the idea that domestic violence is acceptable and normal.
About 80 children in Utah witness the murder or attempted murder of their mother each year, according to the National Domestic Violence Coalition, and an estimated 1 in 3 children in the United States lives in a violent home. It has been. Children in these situations are not only unaffected innocent bystanders, but are deeply affected by what they see, hear, and perceive from the violence.
The emotional turmoil from witnessing domestic violence can be overwhelming for children. They may feel scared, helpless, and confused. We often see these children blaming themselves for the violence or staying silent to protect their loved ones. The emotional reactions children experience can lead to a variety of behavioral problems, including aggression, self-isolation, and school behavior.
Research shows that children who witness domestic violence are at increased risk of many long-term adverse effects. For example, as the Office of Women’s Health reports, these children suffer from emotional and behavioral problems, developmental delays, and even long-term physical health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, these children are more likely to become victims or perpetrators of domestic violence in future relationships.
So what can we do to help children who are indirect victims of domestic violence in Utah?
First and foremost, children who witness domestic violence must recognize themselves as victims and provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and grow from their experiences.
One way to do this is by supporting organizations that specifically serve children who have witnessed domestic violence. Safe Harbor Crisis Center is one such organization that offers counseling, safety planning, educational groups, and other services that can help children process their experiences and move forward. By supporting organizations that house families with children, we ensure that victims have a safe place to escape abuse without leaving children behind, and that continuous services are accessible for all.
Another way to help these children is by educating the public about the impact of domestic violence on children. Many people are unaware of the long-term consequences of being a witness to domestic violence. Raising awareness ensures that these children are not overlooked and receive the support they need. Community awareness also means more people can recognize the signs and intervene earlier for their children.
Our final thought on the solution is to create specific provisions in Utah law to protect children who witness domestic violence. should include counseling the child about these accusations. Some states require those involved in domestic violence to pay for counseling needed by child victims. Additionally, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, some states require perpetrators to receive counseling and non-custodial parents convicted of domestic violence in front of their children are being abused during childcare hours, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. I am asking to be supervised.
By protecting children who witness domestic violence, we can break the cycle of abuse and provide these children with the support they need to continue to grow in a healthy environment.
Samantha Hutchinson is a therapist intern at GMS Counseling LLC and a master’s degree social work student at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.
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