1. Growing Up Right!
Developmental Issues and Treatment Recommendations for Children Who Witness Violence
Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

2. One, two, buckle my shoe…
The effects of witnessing domestic violence are different depending upon age of the child…

3. 0 – 1 year old Effects of Abuse Ways of Being Drawn In Seeing it
Hearing it
Being awakened by it
Being injured by it
Being ripped from mother's arms
Having toys broken
Being born prematurely
Being hit while in mom's arms
Being thrown
Physical injury
Death
Fright
Being traumatized by it
Sleep disturbances
Eating disturbances
Being colicky or sick
Insecurity because of being cared for by a traumatized mom
Not responsive or cuddly
Source:

4. What’s Going on Developmentally?
0 – 1 year old
What’s Going on Developmentally?

5. 2 – 4 Year Olds Effects of Abuse Ways of Being Drawn In Seeing it
Hearing it
Trying to stop altercation
Becoming abused themselves
Being used as a physical weapon against the victim
Being interrogated by perpetrator about victims activities
Being held hostage by perpetrator
Acting out violently
Withdrawal
Trouble with other kids
Delayed toileting
Eating problems
Nervous, jumpy
Sleep problems
Insecurity, fear and Depression
Source:

6. 2 – 4 Year Olds What’s Going on Developmentally?

7. 5 – 12 Year Olds Effects of Abuse Ways of Being Drawn In
Seeing & hearing it
Picking 1 parent to defend
Physically intervening
Calling the police
Running to neighbors for help
Being used as a spy against Mom
Forced to participate in attack on Mom
Being physically or sexually abused to control Mom
Being restricted from contact with others
Fear & insecurity
Low self esteem
Withdrawal/depression
Running away
Early drug/alcohol use
School problems
Bedwetting
Sexual activity
Becoming caretaker of adults
Being embarrassed by one's family
Source:

8. 5 – 12 Year Olds What’s Going on Developmentally?

9. Teen Boys and Girls Effects of Abuse Ways of Being Drawn In
Killing/trying to kill perpetrator
Trying to stop the abuse
Hitting parent or siblings
Becoming physically abused
Being used as a spy
Being used as a confidante
Being coerced by perpetrator to be abusive to mom
School problems
Social problems
Sexual activity
Shamed & embarrassed
Truancy
Super-achiever at school
Tendency to get serious relationships too early to escape home
Depression
Suicide
Alcohol/drug use
Confusion about gender roles
Source:

10. Gender Specific Effects
Effects Specific to Boys
Effects Specific to Girls
Learning that males are violent
Learning to disrespect women
Using violence in his own relationships
Confusion or insecurity about being a man
Attacking parents or siblings
Learning that male violence is normal
Learning that women don't get respect
Accepting violence in her own relationships
Embarrassed about being female
Becoming pregnant
Source:

11. Teen Boys and Girls What’s Going on Developmentally?

12. When Intervening…
Safety first.

13. Safety First The safety and security of the child is paramount.
Do not assume the victim (parent) can provide for the child’s security.
The victim’s own distress or secondary problems may over-ride their ability to care for the child.
The victim may may use abusive of coercive strategies to manage the child.

14. When Intervening…
Structure second.

15. Structure second Routine and Predictability Reduce Anxiety Daycare
Women’s Shelter
School
Regular mealtimes / nutrition
Regular bedtimes and wake-up time

16. When Intervening…
Treatment third.

17. Treatment Third Consider “Safety” as “Treatment”
Ceases exposure and prevents re-exposure
Consider “Structure” as “Treatment”
Reduced anxiety through stability of routines

18. More Structural Interventions
STRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS is TREATMENT!!!
Family
School
Friends
Home / Community
Child

19. and support throughout
When Intervening…
and support throughout

20. Support Throughout Instrumental Emotional
Access to services (medical, social, educational)
Daycare or school placement
Supplies (from diapers to gym shorts)
Emotional
Counselling – group or individual
A “safe place” or “buddy”

21. Emotional Support Is this a resilient child?
Are there indicators of disturbance?
Does this child necessarily need counselling
Might time and structural interventions mitigate deleterious effects of witnessing DV?
If counselling is indicated, what type?

22. Types of Counselling Individual Family Group Talk Art/Play/Music
Parent/child, sibling subgroup, entire family
Group
Talk vs. activity based

23. Violence Crosses Gender
While violence against women by men is most talked about, women also perpetrate violence against men. Further violence can be an issue in same-sex relationships regardless of gender.
While raising violence against women still remains a difficulty in many jurisdictions, many men and same-sex couples find a greater stigma associated with raising the issue and hence these populations often go unserved.

24. General Goals of Counselling
Breaking the Silence – demystification
Understanding Roles and Responsibilities
Learning to Identify Feelings
Managing Anger
Identifying Social Supports
Developing Confidence
Learning about the Cycle of Violence
Develop Conflict Resolution Skills
Symptom Reduction
Increasing Safety and Stability
Dealing with Separations

25. Growing Up Right!
Developmental Issues and Treatment Recommendations for Children Who Witness Violence
Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW