This chart shows some of the effects of violence that may be seen in children during different stages of life.
| AGE GROUP |
EMOTIONAL EFFECT |
COGNITIVE EFFECT |
BEHAVIORAL EFFECT |
| UNBORN CHILD (FETUS) |
Anxiety
Tension and stress
Hyper-excitability
Helplessness
Traumatized
Terrorized |
Brain Damage
Nervous System Disorders
Developmental delays |
(PHYSICAL EFFECTS)
Birth defects
Low birth weight
Miscarriage or forced abortion
Premature birth
Abandoned by parent
Unwanted by parent |
| BIRTH TO ONE YEAR |
Traumatized
Nervous, jumpy, hyper-alert
Stressed, anxious
Fearful
Emotional deprivation
Strong need for safety |
Unresponsive
Developmentally delayed |
"Colicky," crying a lot
Bruises and injuries
Chronic constipation
Sleep pattern disturbances
Eating problems
Digestive problems
Allergies/skin rashes
Malnutrition |
| ONE TO FIVE YEARS |
Fearfulness
Anxiety
Easily frustrated
Fearful of abuser
Hesitant and uncertain
Feels split between parents
Feels powerless to protect self
Low self-esteem |
Sleep disorders
Unable to focus
Disrespect for women
Developmentally delayed
|
Tantrums
Mimics abuser's behavior
Models abusive behavior
Parrots name-calling
Spitting
Bedwetting
Acting out behaviors
Kicks, slaps, punches, swears
Protective toward younger children
Tries to protect mother
Slaps younger siblings
Breaks toys
Nervous habits
Thumb sucking |
| FIVE TO TWELVE YEARS |
Cries easily or frequently
Lack of normal feelings
Lack of trust
Feelings of despair, hopelessness, helplessness
Lack of concern or empathy for others
Anger towards mother |
Special needs/learning disabilities
Withdrawn, quiet or oppositional
Suicidal thoughts
Lack of structure and focus
Drawn to cults or pornography
Tries to be too adult, overly responsible
Lack of responsibility |
Violence toward abuser
Tries to be in control
Destroys property
Violent acting out
Running away
Perfectionism
Lack of boundaries and limits |
| ADOLESCENT BOY |
Feelings of powerlessness and guilt
Shuts down and withdraws
Shame and embarrassment
Doesn't have friends
Needs to control |
Quits school; attendance problems
Thinks abuse is okay in relationships
"Macho" attitudes
Suicidal thoughts |
Uses violence to solve problems and conflicts
Abuses drugs or alcohol
Antisocial behaviors
Acting out behaviors
Problems with relationships
Suicide
Kills abuser
Sexual problems
Self-mutilations |
| ADOLESCENT GIRL |
Trust issues, mistrustful
Hates or blames mother
Wants to be protected and taken care of
Feelings of tension and restlessness
Feels helpless, hopeless, confused about role models
Feels guilt and self-blame about abuse
"Numbs out" emotionally
Manic-depressive |
Looks for male figure to protect her
Problems with school work
Lack of understanding about herself
Lack of limits and boundaries
Takes on others' personalities
Problem focusing and concentrating
Split or multiple personalities |
Unable to function at home
Unable to function in relationships
Runs away from home
Drug or alcohol abuse
Gets involved in prostitution
Pregnancy or early marriage
Eating disorders
|