Countless children and young people in Northern Ireland are witness to domestic violence each year. These children grow up in a 'climate of fear'. In most cases they will be in the same room or the next room when the violence occurs.
Although research currently exists which clearly outlines the extent of domestic violence against women and the effects on their lives, relatively little is known about the impact of violence in the home on children. As with women who live with domestic violence, every child's experience will be different.
During violent assaults, for many children an immediate and natural reaction will be to intervene to protect either their mother or other siblings. This may present an increased risk of physical injury to the child.
The mother/child relationship can also be affected through domestic violence.
It is important to remember that the blame for any negative impact on the mother/child relationship lies solely with the perpetrator of violence.
The impact that continual physical attacks, verbal degradation, emotional torture and social isolation can have upon a women's life should never be underestimated or minimised.
The most important point for professionals working with families to bear in mind is that for women to provide effective protection for their children, they themselves need to be protected and supported.