Supporting a child affected by family and domestic violence
Family and domestic violence impacts a child’s development and wellbeing. Even if the child wasn’t physically harmed, witnessing violence can have long lasting impacts.
Signs of family and domestic violence at home
Signs of family and domestic violence at home can vary depending on the child’s age and development. Some signs could be if they:
- act out or are acting rebellious
- have low self esteem
- are withdrawn
- often have bruises, burns, sprains, dislocations, cuts or broken bones
- have lost weight
- are using clothing to hide injuries
- are aggressive toward other children, toys or property
- have a developmental regression, like bed wetting
- have difficulties fitting in at school and learning.
Find out more about children and domestic violence on the Better Relationships website.
How to support a child
If a child tells you about an incident you should record what you heard or saw, and when it happened. You can then report it to your state or territory child protection services.
If you know a child experiencing or exposed to family and domestic violence, you can:
- ask them if they’re worried about anything and respond in simple words
- believe what they’re saying and don’t minimise it
- reassure them that it’s not their fault or their responsibility to protect family members
- reassure them that they’re loved and will be looked after
- let them know you’re available to talk anytime
- help to build their self esteem by praising positive behaviours and telling them what they’re good at
- play together, have fun and give them lots of love and care.
Find out more about offering support, including mandatory reporting requirements, on the 1800RESPECT website.