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Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of domestic abuse, and those under the age of eight are no exception. Witnessing domestic abuse can leave profound emotional, behavioural, and physical scars on a child. Identifying the signs early is crucial to providing the necessary support and intervention. Let’s explore the various signs that may indicate a child under eight years old has witnessed domestic abuse, covering emotional, behavioural, physical, social, and psychological aspects, as well as coping mechanisms.

Emotional Signs

Emotionally, children who have witnessed domestic abuse often experience heightened levels of anxiety and fear. They may appear excessively fearful, especially towards loud noises, sudden movements, or specific individuals. This constant state of alertness, known as hypervigilance, indicates that the child is in a perpetual state of anticipating danger.

Depression is another common emotional sign. The child might exhibit persistent sadness, a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, and frequent crying.

Additionally, sleep problems such as trouble sleeping, frequent nightmares, or bedwetting beyond the typical age are common.

These emotional responses are the child's way of coping with the trauma and stress they are experiencing.

Behavioural Signs

Behaviourally, children might display uncharacteristic aggression or anger. They could become more aggressive towards their peers or family members, mirroring the violence they have witnessed. Conversely, some children may withdraw from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy, indicating a sense of helplessness or depression.

Regressive behaviours, such as thumb-sucking, bedwetting, or clinging to caregivers, are also common as children seek comfort in familiar, previously outgrown behaviours.

Trouble with authority, such as difficulty accepting rules or acting out, can be another sign, as can imitating the abusive behaviour they have seen at home, either through language or play.

Physical Signs

Physically, stress and anxiety can manifest as frequent illnesses. The chronic stress experienced by children witnessing domestic abuse can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to colds and other diseases.

Unexplained bruises or injuries might also be present, possibly from being caught in the crossfire or from physical abuse themselves.

Furthermore, developmental delays in speech, motor skills, or social interactions can occur, reflecting the impact of the traumatic environment on their overall development.

Social Signs

Socially, children may struggle in school, exhibiting trouble concentrating, completing homework, or interacting with teachers and classmates. These difficulties can stem from the preoccupation with the abusive events at home and the constant state of stress.

Additionally, forming and maintaining friendships can be challenging. Trust issues and behavioural problems often make it difficult for these children to connect with their peers, leading to social isolation.

Psychological Signs

Psychologically, low self-esteem is a prevalent sign. Children may feel worthless or overly critical of themselves, internalising their hostile environment. They might also feel a sense of guilt and shame, believing they are responsible for the abuse or that they are the cause of the conflict.

These psychological burdens can severely affect their mental health and overall well-being.

Coping Mechanisms

In terms of coping mechanisms, some children may engage in self-harming behaviours as a way to cope with their emotional pain.

Others might become overly compliant, constantly seeking approval and being eager to please to avoid conflict or punishment.

These behaviours indicate the child's attempts to navigate and survive their tumultuous environment.

Signs in Drawings or Play

Finally, the themes in a child's drawings or play can also be telling. Violent or disturbing themes in their artwork or play scenarios that include aggressive interactions or themes of fear and rescue may reflect the abuse they have witnessed. These expressions are often the child's way of processing and making sense of their experiences.

Recognising these signs in a child under eight years old is crucial for early intervention and support. By identifying and addressing these signs, caregivers, educators, and professionals can offer the necessary support and resources to help the child heal and develop in a safe and nurturing environment. Professional help from a counsellor or child psychologist is often essential in providing the specialised care these children need to overcome their experiences and thrive despite their challenges, but we can’t offer that without noticing it in the first place.

AUTHOR:- Iona has nearly 10 years of experience supporting nurseries and childminders in curriculum planning, leadership, and safeguarding. Her writing is informed by public information and sector insight, aiming to provide accessible, practical support for professionals working with children. She is part of the On the Button team, helping deliver Well-being, Safeguarding and Complaint Management Software that empowers practitioners to identify concerns early and act confidently.

On the Button provides innovative software tailored to the needs of the early years sector, with a strong focus on EYFS well-being and early years safeguarding. Our tools help senior practitioners to confidently track concerns, maintain robust records, and respond effectively — all while meeting statutory guidance. From early years complaint management to team-wide safeguarding alerts, our platform puts children's safety and emotional health first.