Children and domestic violence

Domestic violence by men against women, whether physical or psychological, is one of the gravest violations of human rights: the right to life and to physical and psychological integrity. Although there has been action at EU level in the past few years, it is still recognised as a problem in all the member states.

Domestic violence does not just affect the victims, but also other family members, especially children - who are sometimes witnesses and victims of psychological violence. However, more needs to be done to raise awareness about the issue.

The effects on children growing up in a climate of physical and psychological violence can be serious. The majority of the affected women are mothers and in most cases children are either present or within earshot. Moreover, men who abuse their partners are also likely to be violent towards their children and women too may display this trait since they live in a climate where it has become routine.

Battered women are often under such strain that they are unable to care properly for their children. Exposure to long-term abuse robs them of the ability to do anything to protect their loved ones. Children feel helpless and vulnerable. Sometimes they also feel responsible for what is happening or try to intervene and end up being assaulted themselves.

These children live in a threatening atmosphere, not knowing when an attack will happen next. They fear for their mother's survival as well as feeling helpless and isolated. Children can also develop massive problems and behavioural disorders, including psychosomatic symptoms and psychological difficulties such as low self-esteem, restlessness, sleep disorders, difficulties at school, anxiety, aggression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Domestic violence can also have an impact on children's attitude to violence, resulting in violent behaviour.

While the main responsibility for combating domestic violence lies with member states, the importance of children's rights and the different responses in different countries clearly indicate that a Europe-wide strategy is necessary.

Addressing children's needs in situations of family violence is given a lot of importance in Malta, not least through the Office for the Commissioner for Children.

Children indirectly affected by domestic violence should be considered as victims in their own right, for whom specific support must be developed and made available. Greater consideration needs to be given in family court proceedings to the risks associated with domestic violence than has been the case hitherto, in particular the high probability that the risk of violence will not end once the couple have separated.

Particular consideration should be given in situations involving children of abused women migrants, who are especially vulnerable when they come from societies and cultures where gender inequality is greatest and gender-specific roles are most entrenched and cultural norms exist that support the rights of men over women.

The existing protocol between the Child Protection Services (CPS), the Education Department and police aims to ensure timely intervention and co-ordination to safeguard the interests of children in such situations.

The CPS also works with shelters for women, providing services for children including psychological support programmes. Such shelters are in dire need of better resources to help women lead a decent life.

Court orders and supervised access visits in cases where children are at risk, prior to and during court proceedings, as well as follow-up services after separation also aim to protect children. However, more police protection is needed - in particular when social workers and members of the family leave the shelter or are on their way to the courts.

Besides addressing the needs of women, the Domestic Violence Social Work Services offers two programmes for offenders. Although, so far, few individuals are making use of these services, corrective and preventive measures can reduce much of the physical, emotional and psychological effects that can last throughout a child's lifetime.

Domestic violence thrives on secrecy. Therefore, more educational and awareness campaigns are needed to encourage all family members - not just women - to come forward. Young people are becoming more violent in their relationships not least as a result of exposure to violence on the media.

Neighbours and relatives need to be sensitised to report incidents as early as possible. Police also need to be trained since they have an important role to play. However, they must not act as self-appointed social workers in these situations.

A co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach to early detection, sharing of resources and continuous specialised professional training are key elements to eliminating this degrading behaviour. And Help Line 179 is only ever one second away.

Ms Attard is a member of the European Economic and Social Committee.

grace.attard@gmail.com