THE EFFECTS ON CHILDREN

Within each classroom there may be 3 to 5 children who are witnessing or have witnessed wife assault. They have seen their mothers beaten, thrown into walls, through windows, eyes blackened and teeth knocked out. As many as 80% of assaults on women in the home are likely to be witnessed by children.

These children are likely to have trouble in school, exhibiting a whole range of anti-social behaviour. The child may have a quick temper, a short attention span and be reluctant to tell anyone what's wrong. A 12 year old girl in Canada took her own life after her mother was severely beaten by the father.

Research on the cycle of violence tells us that many of the girls will be abused by their future partners and many of the boys will repeat the abusive behaviour of their fathers. If we understand the issue of wife assault we may be able to break the cycle of violence.

SIGNALS TO WATCH FOR

Witnesses of wife abuse have had an enormous burden imposed on them and many exhibit symptoms of distress. Signs of turmoil may include the following but it should be noted that they may also be related to other problems:

* complaints such as stomach-aches and headaches, sleep disturbances (nightmares, insomnia), eating problems (over or under-eating), rigid gender identification, suicidal thoughts and actions, difficulties to peer relationships, withdrawal, passivity, acting out, bullying, blaming, stealing, cheating, bursts of anger and aggression, temper tantrums, disruptive or manipulative behaviour, impaired attention span, apathy, lack of trust, difficulty with school work, seductiveness, insecurity, distrust, nervousness, apprehension.

* one may also observe excellence in academic work, and perfectionist or overly responsible behaviour.

OBSERVING AND HELPING CHILDREN

Teachers are in a unique position to identify these students and become their advocates. However, it is important for teachers to know that this is not an issue to be solved in isolation. Schools and local agencies need to work together to help children and families.

* Try to recognise signs in a student's behaviour.
* If you have concerns about some behaviours, discuss them with colleagues, as well as with the student and his or her mother.
* Should actions lead to a discovery or to a disclosure of witnessing wife assault, then proceed in keeping with your skills and with school or board policies.
* Some school boards have already developed protocols to deal with the issue of children who witness wife assault.
* You may be the student's only resource. Your ability to listen is very important.
* Your understanding of the issue will help.
* Assure the child that he or she is not at fault and not alone.
* Tell the student that there is help available and that you will get some information for his or her mother. Also make sure the child knows how to use the emergency number in his or her community.
* Encourage these children to seek help by telling adults they feel they can trust about their problems.
* Consult with appropriate school personnel.
* Be familiar with school and board policies.

This page is an adaptation of information provided with an educational video entitled Black-eyed Susan, available from http://www.bconnex.net/~dsneyd/

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