Children who witness or who experience domestic violence grow up believing that abuse is  ok - i.e. the father is their primary male role model. Repetitive abuse reinforces the behavior  as normal.

Children grow up believing that by hitting someone - they will give you what you want i.e.  abuse is an effective method of getting what you  want.

Children feel helpless and are scared of the abuser, so they gravitate towards the abuser to  survive, and are often afraid to show outward  affection towards the mother for fear of  retribution from the abuser.

Boys who witness violence against their mothers  are five times more likely to abuse their female  partners as adults, than boys raised in  non-violent homes.

Children may directly or indirectly receive  injuries being struck by thrown items or weapons. Older children may receive injuries while trying to protect their mother from abuse.

Psychological and emotional effects suffered by  children who are victims of domestic violence or  who have witnessed domestic violence include:  depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, phobias, withdrawl, lowered self esteem, guilt, fear of abandonment and self blame. Over a period  of time, a child experiences developmental  disabilities.

Children develop psychosomatic complaints such as  headaches, abdominal pains, stuttering, bed wetting and sleep disturbances.

For more information please view the following web site:

Effects  of domestic violence on children