It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women
for Anyone Concerned About The Issues
Effects of Substance Abuse and Violence on Children
At least 3.3 million children between the ages of 3 and 19 are at risk of being hurt by parental violence every year.
Alcohol and drug abuse, when coupled with violence, doubles the need for denial. This can create an even greater sense of hopelessness for family members.8 Unfortunately, children at very young ages witness the violence and substance abuse and end up suffering the effects.
In addition to witnessing violence, children may experience it. In one survey of more than 6,000 American families, 50 percent of men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children.9 At least 3.3 million children between the ages of 3 and 19 are at risk of being hurt by parental violence every year.10
Children may not see the violence, but they often hear it and see the results. From a hiding place, children may hear their parents yelling, crying, and screaming. They may hear the sound of threats, physical blows, or glass breaking.
Children may see the results of abuse in torn clothing, bloody bruises on the mother's face or body, broken furniture, or wounded animals. The children run the risk of being injured either intentionally by the male hurting them or unintentionally by trying to protect their mother.
In any case, children living with violence can suffer lasting emotional trauma and react with shock, fear, and guilt.11 (For more information about the effects on children, see Module 5). In addition, witnessing violence and living with violence can place children at risk for alcohol problems. More than 5 million youth in the United States under the age of 21 drink alcohol to excess, consuming five or more drinks in a row.12
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Last Updated: 6/15/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
