S o m e E f f e c t s o f D o m e s t i c V i o l e n c e o n C h i l d r e n
Newborns
Failure to thrive
Physical injuries
Sleep disturbances
Eating disturbances
Anxiety
Non-responsive or excessive crying
Appearing fussy or irritable
Intensified startle response
Toddlers/Pre-schoolers
All of the above PLUS:
Frozen watchfulness
Aggressive behavior
(toward people or animals)
Hyperactivity
Inability to focus
Separation anxiety
Silence & withdrawal
Regressive behaviors
Plays or re-enacts the DV events
Nightmares
PTSD
(in some cases)

School Age Children
All of the above PLUS:
Behavioral changes
(acting out or perfectionism)
“Daymares” about the event
Psychosomatic complaints
School phobia
Distrust of adults
Displaced fears
Academic problems
Depression
Anxiety
(i.e. nail biting hair pulling, skin picking)
Self-Injurious behavior
Low self-esteem
Lack of interest in pleasurable activities
Inappropriate expression of feelings
Preadolescent & Teens
All of the above PLUS:
Difficulty relating to peers
Continued academic issues
Accelerated entry into the adult world
(“growing up fast”)
Anger, shame, betrayal
Anti-social or at-risk behaviors
(self-injury, gang activity, risk taking, substance use and/or abuse)
Sleep and/or eating disorders
Isolation from peers
Withdrawal from family
Become controlling or passive in their own relationships with family, peers, & dating partners
C o m m u n i t y S u p p o r t S e r v i c e s 7 0 4 - 3 3 6 - 3 2 1 0
W o m e n ’ s C o m m i s s i o n
C h i l d r e n ’ s S e r v i c e s w w w. C S S . C h a r M e c k . o r g