Houston, Texas, parents are aware of the crucial role they play in the development of their children. Yet, incidents of family violence can mar a family and cause unbearable emotional trauma to the parents as well as to their children.
While it is understandable that children may witness their parents arguing over domestic problems, the parents need to make an attempt to protect their children from the conflict. Episodes of violence inside the home can affect the behavioral and mental health of the children.
According to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, the risk of acquiring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder increases in children exposed to domestic violence before the age of three. Pediatricians conducted the study of 2,000 children. They found that children whose parents suffered from depression or intimate partner violence are more likely to endure ADHD compared with those who are not exposed to those situations. According to a behavioral pediatrician, there has been an increase in psychological prescription drugs to children.
It is important to keep in mind that physical wounds heal easily but it takes time to heal the emotional and psychological scars. Domestic violence is a problem that not only shows physical signs. The development of a mental disorder in a child because of exposure to family violence is not new. In fact, statistics have revealed that victims of such violence range in age and gender. Chances of physical and mental conditions are likely in any family member who has been a victim of domestic violence.
If abuse occurs in a family, causing emotional distress, protection may be needed. There are many ways to try to remedy the problem, including filing a request for a protective restraining order.
Source: NBC33 News, “Violence in the home, child ADHD may be linked,” April 7, 2013
