It has been studied by Debra Whitcomb that domestic violence is also a known risk factor for recurring child abuse reports (English et al., 1999) and for child fatalities (U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, 1995). In addition, domestic violence frequently coexists with substance abuse, so children are concurrently exposed to dangerous substances and their adverse effects and parental neglect due to addiction (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). Children who witness domestic violence often manifest behavioral and emotional problems, poor academic performance, and delinquency (Edleson, 1999).
These children came to the home in search for a new start and although I felt sad, I also felt determined to give these children a better life and something to look forward to in their days ahead of them. There were many times of anger, heartbreak, and countless other emotions that as their advocate I had to endure on behalf of the youth, and channel the energy to make their lives better. I believe it is important for social workers to empathize