SILENT SUFFERING OF A CHILD IN AN ABUSIVE FAMILY

Abstract

Children raised in violent households endure profound psychological distress, often leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Repeated exposure to domestic violence instills chronic fear, anxiety, and emotional instability, leaving lasting scars that affect their mental health. These children frequently develop trust issues, struggling to build meaningful relationships due to fear of betrayal or abandonment. Their ability to connect with others is impaired, resulting in difficulty forming relationships that persist into adulthood. Beyond their immediate suffering, these effects often extend across generations, contributing to intergenerational trauma. The emotional wounds inflicted in childhood shape their perceptions of love, conflict, and security, making them more likely to either experience or perpetrate violence in their own relationships. Without intervention, this cycle continues, passing unresolved trauma from one generation to the next. As these children grow, unresolved pain may lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts, driven by overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and emotional numbness. The lack of a safe, supportive environment exacerbates their distress, pushing them toward self-destructive behaviors as a means of coping. The consequences of childhood trauma are far-reaching, affecting academic performance, self-esteem, and long-term emotional well-being. This article explores the devastating impact of domestic violence on children, highlighting the long-term effects of PTSD, trust issues, intergenerational trauma, self-harm, and difficulty forming relationships. Addressing these issues requires early intervention, mental health support, and community awareness to break the cycle of violence, offer healing, and provide children with the stability they need to rebuild their lives and overcome the psychological scars left by domestic abuse.