Up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

According to the Center for Disease Control, domestic violence (DV) is a serious, preventable public health problem affecting more than 32 million Americans.

Children who witness DV are at a significant risk for developing behavioral symptoms including aggression, anger, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

Abuse Reporting Hotline
(800) 752-6200

Spouse Abuse Shelter Hotline
(800) 544-2022

National Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 442-4453

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-SAFE

www.stopfamilyviolence.org

First, if a family is in physical danger due to an abusive caregiver, immediately contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. Therapeutic services are most successful for teens who are displaying symptoms of anxiety and depression related to witnessing domestic violence.

Teens and adolescents who are modeling the aggressive, violent behaviors of the abusive caregiver are far more difficult to treat in therapy, because such teens tend to idolize and respect the abusive caregiver (who they perceive as powerful) and are unmotivated to change. Attempts to replace the aggressive behavior are resisted by such teens, because they view lack of aggression as "weakness." However, it is essential these teens get treatment in order to break the generational cycle.