Yaron Helmer Criminal Law Blog on Lawyers.com

In a home where domestic violence occurs, children are at risk—a very high risk, in fact—to suffer physical abuse.  However, even if the children are not physically abused, the emotional scars of witnessing domestic violence can be similar to those as if the child were abused.

Children may indirectly receive injuries via domestic violence, such as when household items are thrown.  Older children may even be injured while trying to protect a parent.  The mental trauma of the violence may lead to cognitive or language problems, developmental delays, and physical ailments of stress like headaches, ulcers, and rashes.  Children who have observed domestic violence may have serious trouble in school regarding concentration, peer interactions, and absences.  However, school performance may not always be affected by domestic violence in obvious ways.  Some children respond to such negativity by turning into overachievers.

The effects on children are not all immediate.  For instance, boys who witness domestic violence are much more likely to batter their partners when they grow up. 

Children in such an environment may also feel isolated.  Activities such as having friends over may be impossible due to the atmosphere at home. 

Age-specific effects

Infants and toddlers who witness violence may show the following effects:

- Extreme irritability
- Immature behavior
- Sleep issues
- Fears of being left alone
- Toileting and language regression

Preschool children in such circumstances may experience enuresis and speech issues.  Younger children may not understand the meanings and root causes of what they are seeing, and learn to blame themselves for having done something to cause the violence.  This leads to feelings of guilt and anxiety, as well as withdrawal and other regressive behaviors.

Teens living with domestic violence often try to keep their home lives a secret from peers.  If they live in shelters, they face the issues of relocation and fitting in at a new school while feeling the shame of their family situations.  Family ties are strained beyond belief.  These teenagers often have issues forming trusting relationships or may end up in violent relationships of their own. 

New Jersey criminal defense lawyers

Domestic violence is a crime.  If you are involved in a domestic violence situation that affects the lives of children, you may need the help of New Jersey criminal defense attorneys.  Contact the expert criminal and divorce lawyers in Atlantic City at Helmer, Paul, Conley, & Kasselman, P.A. today. We also handle legal separation in Atlantic City, drunk driving defense in Atlantic City, Atlantic City DUI first offense and Atlantic City DUI second and third offense. Our New Jersey criminal lawyers and  divorce attorneys can help you with your case. Contact us toll free at 877-HELMER1.