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Child Repercussions of Domestic Violence a Preventable Adverse Experience

Abstract:

In recent decades, domestic violence and child abuse are major social, public health and human rights problems with a high prevalence, serious and far-reaching consequences not only for the victims, but also for society in general. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one of three women is a victim of physical and / or sexual violence by her partner or third parties, at some point in her life. A quarter of all adults worldwide, have suffered physical abuse in their childhood, so it has become a problem of maximum institutional and social interest due to its great repercussions. The children of these dysfunctional homes present adverse experiences that deteriorate neurobiological functioning, interrupt the development of brain circuits, which are manifested in all areas of human development: Physical, cognitive, affective, social and emotional. These produce important biopsychosocial problems in children and adolescents such as: Attachment disorder characterized by an avoidant and ambivalent attachment pattern, deficit in autonomous self-development, school maladjustment, alterations in self-esteem and subsequent instability in the identification of the life project, personality disorders, schizophrenia, suicidal and dissociative behaviors, among others. Domestic violence is an adverse childhood experience that can be prevented by encouraging the use of strategies that support the development of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for parents/caregivers and children.