Impacts of domestic and family violence (DFV) on children can be profound and long lasting impacts, affecting psychological, emotional, social, physical, educational and developmental wellbeing.
It is also the leading cause of homelessness for children.
Children experiencing DFV often have intense feelings of fear, anxiety, shame and low self-esteem and can disrupt their relationships, education and overall holistic health outcomes.
Research shows children have an articulate and coherent understanding of the violence they, their siblings and mothers experience, and can provide valuable insight into their needs and how best to support them.
A significant portion of children who have experienced DFV feel a sense of guilt as though they are to blame or there was something they should have done.
Supportive conversations with a professional which create safety and reinforce the fact they are not to blame can assist them to access recovery and intervention services as early as possible to begin building resilience and recovering from the impacts of DFV.
Useful contacts and resources:
White Ribbon Australia aims to address and prevent DFV through education, awareness-raising, creative campaigns, and preventative programs
White Ribbon Australia helplines
1800 respect.org.au is a national helpline service providing support for people experiencing DFV as well as people and professionals supporting someone experiencing DFV through online chats, video calls, and phone calls
Safe + Equal professional support resources
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This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.