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Emotional Needs of Children Witnessing Domestic Violence
Children witnessing domestic violence experience a number of varying emotional reactions. As a mental health worker you must learn to both screen for exposure to domestic violence as well as gain experience in assessing the needs of such children.

Emotional Need of Child Respond By
Fear • Talking to child specifically about their fears. For example,
   are they concerned their mother may be killed? That they
   may die?
• Working on a safety plan with child to use next time
   violence occurs.
Anger • Normalize child’s feelings of anger.
• Work with child on appropriate ways to express anger.
Ambivalence toward parents • Talk to child about it being okay to feel both anger and love
   toward a parent.
• Discuss how it is okay to love an abusive parent but to hate
   their abusive behavior.
Loss • Discuss with child how they see loss: healthy family, one
   parent home, possessions.
• Develop support system of extended family, friends.
• Refer child to domestic violence center for children’s group.
Guilt/Responsibility • Explaining to child that violence is not their fault - they do
   not cause violence and cannot prevent it.
• Develop a safety plan with child based upon their age
   and maturity to teach skills for self-responsibility.
Vulnerability • Identify areas where child does experience control and
   competence.
• Work with parents and child to create some structure and
   stability.
• Develop a safety plan.