Domestic Violence causes children permanent damages
By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2016
Children of domestic violence victims are permanently damaged and scarred by the violence within their families and surroundings, stated Carolina Gonzalez of the Winter Garden Women’s Shelter in Eagle Pass, Texas.
The recent tragic death of Eagle Passan Maria Pesina Rodriguez, age 42, on December 24, 2015 by gunshot from her estranged husband, Juan Rodriguez-Ruiz, age 51, whose some of her children witnessed the shooting and killing of their beloved mother may suffer permanent damage due to this horrific experience. These children will need and require immediate and extensive counseling and assistance by professional psychologists, counselors, family members, teachers, and other community social and medical providers to assist them with any potential damages.
Ms. Rodriguez had seven children, some of which witnessed and/or experienced the domestic violence within the family.
U.S. studies document that every year close to 4 million American children between the ages of 3 to 17 years old are at risk of exposure to domestic violence within their families. Children exposed to domestic violence suffer permanent damages and scarring such as depression, low self-esteem and confidence, psychological and mental health problems, low educational achievement, medical and/or health problems, weight gain and/or obesity, violent behavior, juvenile criminal legal issues, suicidal ideation, low work productivity and/or function, and many other social problems which costs society billions of dollars annually to deal and respond with domestic violence children and victims.
Studies indicate that up to 95% of domestic violence victims are women and their children.
Eagle Pass and Maverick County, Texas are no exception to these national trends and studies. The Maria Pesina Rodriguez tragedy highlights the serious domestic/family violence problem found within Eagle Pass and Maverick County. In addition, the 2015 Maverick County Sheriff’s Department Year End Report and Chart reported a total of 355 domestic/family violence assaults outside the city limits of the City of Eagle Pass, Texas within Maverick County. This figure does not account for the total number of domestic violence incidents reported to the City of Eagle Pass Police Department during 2015.
The Winter Garden Women’s Shelter of Eagle Pass reported serving a total of 162 children during September 2014 through December 2015, as well as 125 women who were victims of domestic/family violence.
The Winter Garden Women’s Shelter and other local organizations have advocated and assisted these children who are victims of domestic/family violence with different assistance such as advocacy, legal representation, counseling, housing, and other forms of assistance associated with domestic violence.
Although the number of people being assisted by the Winter Garden Women’s Shelter during 2015 is very high, a greater concern is the total number of domestic violence incidents and victims which go unreported in the community. It is estimated that for every reported domestic violence incident, there are one to two which go unreported.
All the victims and children of these domestic violence incidents suffer temporary and permanent damages which require significant assistance costing millions to the local community and economy, which often Eagle Pass and Maverick County does not have the resources with to properly serve and assist these victims. For instance, Maverick County does not have a full-time resident psychologist and psychiatrist, mental health counselors, specialized health care providers, financial assistance to victims, employment assistance and counseling, and a responsive legal and judicial system.
Carolina Gonzalez states that staying silent often leads to greater abuse such as in cases where the victim did not report abuse to the proper authorities.
“Say something before its too late, such as in certain cases where the victim was sadly murdered or hurt before even reporting violence once. Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones.” said Gonzalez.
Children of domestic violence suffer emotional and psychological scarring which grows with every year and results manifesting itself in a variety of negative ways in the developmental phases of these children. For instance, children of domestic violence victims often witness the domestic violence and are also at risk of being victimized or becoming an abuser as adults themselves.
The effects of a child who bares witness to domestic violence are those of fear, insecurity and anxiety as often they will blame themselves for the attacks and often walk on eggshells not knowing when the next attack will occur or what will trigger such attacks.
The feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness may spill onto other situations in a child’s life leading to a state of vulnerability. This state may leave the child exposed to other bad situations such as depression, failing in their studies and also falling victim to peer pressures (drug and alcohol use).
Children of abuse often times feel isolated and vulnerable. They are starved for attention, affection and approval. These children become physically, emotionally and psychologically abandoned.
Children of domestic violence often show emotional responses which may include fear, guilt, shame, sleep disturbances, sadness, depression, and anger (at both the abuser for the violence and at the mother for being unable to prevent the violence).
Physical responses may include stomachaches and/or headaches, bed-wetting, and loss of ability to concentrate. Some children may also experience physical or sexual abuse or neglect. Others may be injured while trying to intervene on behalf of their mother or a sibling.
The behavioral responses of children who witness domestic violence may include acting out, withdrawal, or anxiousness to please. The children may exhibit signs of anxiety and have a short attention span which may result in poor school performance and attendance. They may experience developmental delays in speech, motor or cognitive skills. They may also use violence to express themselves displaying increased aggression with peers or mother. They can become self-injuring as well.
The long-term effects of domestic violence on children is an important issue that must be addressed. As often the emotional and psychological trauma of living in a broken home where domestic violence occurs denies a child a life that fosters healthy development.
Experts on the matter believe that children who are raised in abusive homes learn that violence is an effective way to resolve conflicts and problems.
They may replicate the violence they witnessed as children in their teen and adult relationships and parenting experiences. Boys who witness their mothers’ abuse are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys raised in nonviolent homes. For girls, adolescence may result in the belief that threats and violence are the norm in relationships.
Children from violent homes have higher risks of alcohol/drug abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, and juvenile delinquency. Witnessing domestic violence is the single best predictor of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality. It is also the number one reason children run away.
“Don’t be a victim and don’t let your children fall victim to a person who is trying to destroy your family by abusing/hurting you.” says Gonzalez. “We are here to help. Call us, report your abuser to either the Eagle Pass Police Department or Maverick County Sheriff Department.” added Gonzalez.
“Do not let your children be exposed to such horrid and tragic abuse. Report your abuser and stop the chain of events that could harm you and your children for the rest of your lives. Lets end the abuse and let the abusers know that we will not stand for domestic violence and the harming of our families anymore.” concluded Gonzalez.
If you’re a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is being victimized by an abuser, don’t hesitate and call the appropriate authorities to stop the abuse. Please call the Maverick County Sheriff Department at (830) 773-2321, the Eagle Pass Police Department at (830) 773-9044 or dial 911. To contact the Winter Garden Women Shelter or Carolina Gonzalez, please call them at (830) 757-5188.
