When we hear the words “domestic violence” for many of us we automatically think of physical violence. One person hitting another or worse. But domestic violence can come in many different forms; name calling, withholding money or controlling what someone does. If you are the victim of this behaviour it can have an impact on you emotionally and possibly physically as well. But what about your children?
What are your children learning watching you being victimised in this manner? What are your children learning by watching the perpetrator of the domestic violence? Do they think that this behaviour is acceptable and will and should be tolerated? Are they going to grow up thinking that if they are treated this way – it is normal? Are they going to grow up thinking that they can treat people this way?
We can’t tell you what to do or how you should act. What we can tell you and what we want you to know is that there are services out there to help you not only if you are the victim of violence but also if you are the perpetrator of the violence. The aim of this blog is to get you thinking about the impact that violence has on your children – think about what they are learning when they see this behaviour. Is it really something you want them to learn?
If you want to find out more you can do so on the following page:
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/domestic-and-family-violence
Or by calling 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
If you are a victim of domestic violence Our Children Australia can help you keep your location private but at the same time enable you to continue to ensure that the other parent is still involved with your children (to whatever extent and in whatever capacity).