10/21/2022
Reach out. WNC has several organizations to help. Stay safe.
Children are the forgotten victims of domestic violence. Often times it is believed that the children are being protected, but if they are in the home, they see and hear the abuse that could develop physical and psychological consequences.
The following information is from the CDC:
1. 5 million children witness domestic violence each year in the US. Children from homes with violence are much more likely to experience significant psychological problems short and long-term.
2. Children who’ve experienced domestic violence often meet the diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the effects on their brain are similarly to those experienced by combat veterans.
3. Domestic violence in childhood is directly correlated with difficulties learning, lower IQ scores, deficiencies in visual-motor skills, and problems with attention and memory.
4. Living with domestic violence significantly alters a child’s DNA, aging them prematurely 7-10 years.
5. Children in homes with violence are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average.
6. Those who grow up with domestic violence are 6 times more likely to commit su***de and 50% more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
7. Children of domestic violence are 3 times more likely to repeat the cycle in adulthood, as growing up with domestic violence is the most significant predictor of whether or not someone will be engaged in domestic violence later in life.
If you or someone you know needs assistance please contact Empowerhouse, a non-profit organization providing confidential domestic violence assistance in the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline. These services include a free and confidential 24-hour hotline, a temporary emergency shelter, information, referrals, and advocacy. Empowerhouse can be reached on their 24/7 Hotline 540-373-9373, toll free 1-877-734-7238.
If you are outside of planning District 16 you can contact the Virginia Action Alliance at 1-800-838-8238/Text to 804-793-9999 or the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
If you need immediate assistance please contact 911. For non-emergencies please call the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at 540-582-7115, or Senior Detective DiGravio at 540-507-7119.
