The Hidden Wounds of Witnessing: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Black Children

Domestic violence doesn’t just affect the direct victims—it leaves lasting scars on children who witness it. Children in violent homes absorb the trauma, even if they aren’t the targets of the abuse. Witnessing domestic violence is classified as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), a form of child abuse and neglect that can lead to long-term emotional and psychological damage. The ACE Study revealed that exposure to violence in childhood significantly increases the risk of health, social, and behavioral problems (Hijazi, n.d.).

What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include traumatic events like abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, such as witnessing domestic violence. When children see or hear fights between parents or family members, it leaves a lasting imprint. Research shows that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to experience challenges in adulthood, including difficulties in forming relationships and managing emotional regulation (Hijazi, n.d.).

The original ACE Study demonstrated that a higher number of ACEs, including exposure to domestic violence, is linked to a greater risk of health and behavioral problems throughout life (Kaufman-Parks et al., 2023). Witnessing domestic violence is not just a childhood experience; it can become a predictor of future involvement in violent relationships. According to Kaufman-Parks et al. (2023), there is an increased likelihood that children who witness domestic violence will either become perpetrators or victims of intimate partner violence as adults. This shows how the trauma of witnessing domestic violence extends far beyond childhood.

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children’s Mental Health

The mental health impact of witnessing domestic violence is severe and long-lasting. Many children in these environments develop defense mechanisms, like becoming overly responsible or hypervigilant, to protect themselves and their loved ones. This pattern of "adultification," where children take on adult roles due to chaotic home environments, leaves them on guard, constantly prepared for danger. Over time, this leads to challenges in forming trusting relationships, controlling impulses, and managing jealousy and control issues (Hijazi, n.d.; Kaufman-Parks et al., 2023).

Furthermore, research highlights that the neurobiological impact of witnessing domestic violence cannot be ignored. Prolonged exposure to trauma floods the brain with cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. According to Kaufman-Parks et al. (2023), this hormonal imbalance can impair areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, impulse control, and learning. Additionally, chronic high cortisol levels are linked to the development of autoimmune diseases. These neurobiological consequences make it clear that the effects of witnessing domestic violence are not only psychological but also physical.

The Role of Racism in Domestic Violence

Racism compounds the effects of domestic violence, particularly within historically oppressed communities. For Black families, systemic racism, poverty, and inequality create additional stressors that increase the prevalence of domestic violence and hinder access to necessary resources for healing. According to Zhu et al. (2023), racism plays a critical role in perpetuating domestic violence among marginalized groups. These compounded stressors create a unique and challenging environment for Black children exposed to domestic violence, further complicating their ability to heal and recover.

Breaking the Cycle of Trauma

The long-term impact of witnessing domestic violence goes beyond childhood, affecting adults' ability to form healthy relationships. Individuals who grow up in violent homes often struggle with trust, control, and jealousy in their relationships, repeating the patterns they witnessed as children (Kaufman-Parks et al., 2023). This cycle of trauma continues until it is addressed and healed.

Therapy provides a way to break the cycle. Understanding the full impact of ACEs, including domestic violence, is crucial for healing from unresolved childhood trauma. Seeking professional support can help individuals process these traumatic experiences, reframe their understanding of relationships, and heal the hidden wounds left by witnessing violence.

Healing the Hidden Wounds

If you or someone you know has unresolved childhood trauma from witnessing domestic violence, you are not alone. At Quality Counseling, we specialize in addressing the deep, often hidden wounds left by domestic violence and other ACEs. Our trauma-informed services, including therapy and group support, are designed to help you heal from these experiences and prevent the cycle from continuing.

Make an appointment today at Quality Counseling to begin your journey toward healing. It’s never too late to address the hidden wounds of witnessing domestic violence.

References

Hijazi, R. (n.d.). The effect of domestic abuse on children. World Bank Family Network. Retrieved from https://www.wbfn.org

Kaufman-Parks, A. M., Longmore, M. A., Manning, W. D., & Giordano, P. C. (2023). Understanding the effect of adverse childhood experiences on the risk of engaging in physical violence toward an intimate partner: The influence of relationship, social psychological and sociodemographic contextual factors. Journal of Development and Psychopathology, 35(2), 300-315. https://doi.org/10.1017/S095457942300001X

Zhu, Y., Exner-Cortens, D., Dobson, K. S., Wells, L., Noël, A., & Madigan, S. (2023). Adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence: A meta-analysis. Development and Psychopathology, 35(3), 400-421. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579423000418