Domestic violence not only leaves physical wounds for those involved but also creates profound psychological consequences for children - silent witnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children living in violent environments are at high risk of emotional disorders, anxiety and difficulty in forming healthy relationships when they grow up.
Psychologists believe that children learn about love mainly through how their parents treat each other. The American Psychological Association (APA) said that when children frequently witness violence, scolding or control in the family, they easily form false beliefs that love is endurance, sacrifice or fear. This directly affects how children build relationships later.
Many children grow up with prolonged anxiety. According to UNICEF, children living in domestic violence tend to either become resigned, or repeat violent behavior in emotional relationships when they grow up. This loop causes damage to be transmitted from generation to generation if not intervened promptly.
What is worrying is that many acts of mental violence such as silent punishment, emotional control, verbal insults are often underestimated. However, Psychology Today emphasizes that mental violence has a long-term impact no less than physical violence, eroding children's sense of security in their own home.
Experts recommend that, to break the cycle of trauma, families need to build a nurturing environment based on respect and healthy communication. Children need to witness love associated with safety, listening and protection, instead of fear and trauma.
A family without violence is not only a place to live, but also a foundation for children to learn to love in the true sense.
