Living with Domestic Violence

Katherine Chavez, International Studies Academy, Wat it do, ISA? (February 2007):

You're in a corner pulling on your hair, and steamy hot tears run down your cheeks.

Coming from a different room is the sound of yelling and hysterical screaming. You ask yourself, when will it stop? Why does it have to be this way?

Living in a household that contains domestic violence has a huge effect on children. You become, as people say, "Scarred for life." But the effects of being exposed to or experiencing violence at home vary tremendously from one child to another.

According to the Web site findcounseling.com, Children and teens that grow up with domestic violence in their household are more likely to:

• use violence in response to perceived threats
• attempt suicide
• use drugs
• commit crimes, especially sexual assault
• use violence to enhance their reputation and self-esteem
• become abusers in their own relationships or later in life

Children with average or above-average intellectual development and with good attention and interpersonal skills have the greatest chance of getting through the experience of domestic violence unharmed, according to the Web site.

Also, children that show feelings of self-esteem and attractiveness to others in both personality and appearance, and those that have individual talents and religious affiliations are more likely to survive the experience unharmed, according to the Web site.

If you are or know anyone who is dealing with issues related to domestic violence, please contact any one of these toll-free hotlines:

California Coalition for Youth
Youth Crisis Line: (800) 843.5200

California Coalition for Youth
24-hour Adult crisis line: (877) 503. 1850
24-hour Teen Line: (877) 923. 0700

Stand Against Domestic Violence
Crisis line: (888) 215.5555

La Casa de las Madres Teen line:
(877) 923.0700
Drop-in counseling is available at La Casa de las Madres from 9-5, Monday through Friday, at 1850 Mission Street, Suite B, between 14th and 15th.
All services are free, confidential, and bilingual (English and Spanish).