Shocking Abuse Statistics

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Each year, more than 3 million children in the US experience neglect or abuse.

Children who are exposed to violence in the home are more likely to be in abusive situations as adults.

Girls who witness or experience Domestic Violence are more likely to be abused by a companion in adulthood.

Boys who witness abuse at home have a 1000% increased chance of being an adult abuser.
Effects on children can be psychological, behavioral, emotional or even physical. The scars (emotional and physical) stay with them for life, affecting their lives. Preschool age children may “reenact” the violent events they witness as a form of coping. Younger children may be aggressive while teenagers may experience outward, excessive rage. Worst damage comes from the impact abuse has on self-esteem. Depression, anger, controlling and coping with feelings and substance abuse are all negative effects that occur due to experiencing or witnessing domestic violence, but these can also be traced to low self-esteem.

Statistics show that children who witness abuse are more likely to commit crimes than those from non-violent families and the offending will start earlier for this age group, and generally be more violent. Children with exposure to Domestic Violence had a 24% greater chance of committing sexual assaults and were 74% more likely to commit personal crimes.

Substance abuse is a coping mechanism that allows adolescents to dull the pain of what they witnessed and assuages the guilt and helplessness they may feel. Abused or neglected children have an increased likelihood to engage in sexual activities at an earlier age than their peers. Children may exhibit anti-social behavior further distancing them from their peers. Are more likely to perform poorly in school and have lower academic achievements.

50% of men who frequently assaulted wives also frequently assaulted their children.
Over half of female victims of domestic violence live in homes with children under the age of 12.
Children who grow up in a home with Domestic Violence are 79% more likely to become victims or perpetrators of domestic abuse and 74% more likely to commit violent crimes.
Approx. 20% of US teens report dating someone who became violent with them. Victims face the threat of injury and also an elevated risk of substance abuse, poor health, sexually risky behavior, pregnancy and suicide.

Taken from Prevail