5 - Social and Domestic Violence: The Effects on Children
1. The Video Clip - Watch, Listen or Read
While other forms of mental health problems may be identified through interviews with professionals or psychometric tests, children experiencing domestic violence will not open up freely about the problems at home as they are often pressured by family members to stay silent. This part of the workshop will provide you with some signs to look for in students experiencing violence at home.
Select the desired media link below to watch the video, listen to the audio, or read the transcript.
Watch the Video
Listen to the Audio
Read the Transcript
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2. Notes
In this video statistics are introduced that point to a remarkable degree of exposure to violence occurring in the homes of school aged children. He suggests that there are a great many students in Canadian classrooms who have behavioural issues that stem directly from exposure to domestic violence. Unfortunately, domestic abuse against women is often linked to child abuse; estimates point to approximately 30-40% of cases where a woman is abused in the home, there is also child abuse.Dr. DiPasquale points out that the effects of violence on young people cannot be underestimated, and discusses the different ways boys and girls may react to domestic violence. Boys may show aggression towards female teachers. Some girls may react with somatic (physical) complaints, and withdraw from their regular social activities. Others may instead become very involved in their schoolwork. Teachers may notice these students seem to hang around the classroom after school, and are very reluctant to go home.
Social development, particularly during adolescence, requires that students interact with their peer group, but for youth experiencing violence at home, the parental need for secrecy often makes normal social interaction very difficult. As a result, youth from these environments may seem socially underdeveloped, and have difficulty forming relationships, in addition to a broad range of other problems.
3. Discussion Question: Domestic Violence and Youth
In this video, Dr. DiPasquale suggests that many children who witness violence in the home are at risk for a great many mental health and social develop problems. How have you supported students in your classes experiencing domestic violence? How did you determine the root of the problem? What did you do next? Share your thoughts on our discussion board.
Please post your observations, comments, and questions below.
I feel that these students need alot of outside support through counselling. At the school level, we need to be patient and supportive allowing the student to become comfortable. The students may take a long time to trust you and be willing to allow you to support them. I think that through patience and caring, you can provide the support necessary.
There have been several times when a student has come to me for support, I don't feel that I have to proper knowledge to actually cousel these students but have definately refered them to the school social worker. These issues need to be taken seriously and dealt with appropriate steps.
I agree that most students experiencing violence at home do not want to talk about it because they have been coached by parents to keep quiet. I think teachers need to keep an 'open-door' so that students know they can come to them to talk whenever they feel ready. Obviously, even if abuse or violence at home is only suspected, the appropriate community agencies have to be contacted right away. Teachers are legally-bound to report any suspicions of abuse.