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| The signs of family violence |
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Early childhood education and care providers are in a frontline position to help children and families living with domestic violence. Early childhood providers often become second homes for children, with loved and trusted educators in a similar role to an extended family.
In recognition of this important connection and the unique position of early childhood providers to help identify and prevent family violence, the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) held a full day conference in July to support early childhood professionals to develop an understanding of how to respond to and prevent family violence in their work.
According to DCRCV chief executive officer Emily Maguire early childhood professionals have a role in identifying family violence but also have an opportunity to teach the next generation that violence is never acceptable.
'Early childhood services are an ideal setting to develop a foundation of gender equity and respectful relationships in children that helps prevent violence in the next generation,” she said.
Close to 100 early childhood providers attended the seminar, indicating significant interest in the topic and we thought it might be helpful to take a look at the potential signs of family violence in children aged zero-five years old for those unable to attend the meeting.
Potential signs a child may be exposed to family violence
While families and children respond to stressful situations in a range of different of different ways and with varying degrees of intensity there are a few consistent behaviours which may be observable in children experiencing family violence.
Birth - 12 months
In very young children consistent care givers, loving contact and communication, routine and stability are vital for healthy development. Some warning signs that babies have been exposed to violence may include:
- Changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns
- Clinginess
- Difficulty separating from parents
- Inconsolable crying
- Fear of new things
- Being easily startled
- Persistent sadness
13 - 16 months
When children are exposed to family violence at this age it may interrupt the development of language, curiosity and their willingness to explore the world around them. Some of the warning signs in toddlers include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Isolation
- Fearfulness
- Aggressiveness
- Anxious reactions to loud noises
- Physical complaints such as stomach aches
18 months - five years
Critical development during these years includes learning how thoughts and feelings are related to consequences and playing/interacting with peers. Exposure to violence at this stage may distort a child's thinking about themselves and the world around them. Some of the warning signs at this age include:
- Unusual and/or persistent aggressive behaviours
- An increasing desire to withdraw from those around them
- Repeating the events in play, stories or art
- Loss of appetite
- Regression in development
- Difficulty concentrating.
What can early childhood care and education providers do for children who have been exposed to family violence?
Early childhood carers can have a powerful and immediate effect on the wellbeing of children exposed to family violence. The physical premises may offer a haven of calm, safety and predictability after the situation at home and regular carers can provide welcome stability. Educators can help children feel safe by:
- Establishing and maintaining consistent routines and developmentally appropriate expectations for a child's behaviour.
- Helping children identify and express their feelings and validating those feelings.
- Helping children regain a sense of control over their life and providing opportunities for them to take pride in their accomplishments.
- Helping children accept themselves.
- Encouraging and modelling non-violent ways to interact and play and recognising children when they explore those avenues.
- Limiting exposure to violent or inappropriate games or media
- Learning to patiently manage a child's challenging behaviours
Reference:
Trauma-Informed Care for Children Exposed to Violence: Tips for Early Childhood Providers
For more information:
Life Line Domestic Violence Training
Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
Partners in Prevention
Exposure to family violence and its effect on children
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre
1800 Respect
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