Key Takeaway
Having supportive, open, and careful conversations with your children can help them process their experiences with family violence and help protect them from future risk.
Safety
If you or your kids are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police. The most important thing is to keep you and your children safe.
Violence can have a significant impact on your child's wellbeing both mentally and physically. For kids, just witnessing the impacts of violence on other family members has a similar impact as if they were targets of the violence directly. It can also mean they have a higher risk of experiencing violence later on in their lives.
Even if they seem to be coping well, they need extra care and attention. Let your kids know that you love them and are there to keep them safe. Make a plan with them to stay safe physically and emotionally. See Keeping Your Family Safe for tips.
Younger children
- self-blame, anxiety and depression
- bullying
- difficulties with emotional regulation
- difficulty with social skills
- bed wetting and nightmares
Teens
- depression and anxiety
- aggression
- difficulties with emotional regulation
- abuse of drugs or alcohol and other risky behaviour
- changes in school performance
Get Help
If your kid is showing any of the signs highlighted above, seek help.
- Kids Help Phone or Hope for Wellness
- Family Doctor
- School counsellor or social worker
- Private counsellor (many do therapy sessions over text or video call now)
- Child advocacy groups. See Getting Help
Learn More
Ongoing court disputes can strain relationships and increase conflict between parents which can impact kids. Learn more about how stress impacts kids and how to build resilience from the Alberta Wellness Initiative.
Protective Factor
Providing emotional support during times of stress or difficulty helps children develop coping mechanisms and a sense of security.