Children witnessing domestic violence: psychological impact and support
Aïcha, 9 years old, has refused for several months to sleep alone. When her parents argue, she snuggles under the blanket and has nightmares. This situation illustrates frequent reactions in children exposed to domestic violence. Indeed, the manifestations are polymorphic namely, sleep disorders, nightmares, enuresis, attachment disorders in the youngest; anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, school difficulties and aggressive behaviors in the older.
In adolescence, chronic exposure increases the risk of substance consumption, delinquency, or reproduction of the violent pattern in future romantic relationships. The child interprets the house as a dangerous and unpredictable place “, explains sociologist Parfait VIKOU. Experts also emphasize the importance of proximity. The closer the child is to the scenes, the deeper the trauma is. Even indirect exposure can generate guilt and shame, two toxic emotions when they remain untreated.
Specific examples of impacts observed…
There are school disorders, symptoms of protective behaviors, and risk of reproduction. Faced with these facts, specialists recommend a multi-sectoral management. Séfiath BACHABI, social worker, insists on the need for a coordinated process. ” Isolated intervention from a single sector is not enough.
It is necessary that health, social, school and justice speak to each other and share information in the interest of the child. Similarly, the specialists propose concrete and already proven approaches such as systematic identification at school, early psychosocial assessment. These include trauma-focused therapies, parental support and safety, school and community actions as well as coordination with the judicial system.
Barriers encountered in Benin and possible solutions…
The professionals cite several obstacles related to the lack of trained human resources in child mental health, the stigmatization of psychological disorders, the reluctance of families to file complaints and the weakness of inter-institutional links.
To overcome these limitations, the proposed approaches are pragmatic with, in particular, targeted training for teachers and social workers, the creation of multidisciplinary cells in health centers and awareness campaigns to break the stigma around psychological care. Developments show that, when they are quickly identified and properly taken care of, exposed children can regain positive trajectories.
Domestic violence does not only harm adults. It leaves deep traces in the social future of children and in. As the sociologist Ange DANDJINOU reminds us, “protecting children means investing in the stability of society”.
The response requires political courage, resources and above all coordination between schools, health, justice and community actors. Every report, every consultation and every listening truly matter to prevent the suffering of today from becoming the violence of tomorrow.