Potential Impact of Violence on Infants & Toddlers

Children of different ages will be affected by exposure to domestic violence in different ways.

Key Aspects of Development in Infants & Toddlers		Potential Impact of Domestic Violence

Take in information from the world around them through five senses		loud noises, vivid visual images associated with violence can be distressing

Form secure attachments		parents may not consistently respond to infant's needs, negatively affecting the parent-child bond

Become more active explorers of their world through play		fear and instability may inhibit exploration and play; imitation in play may be related to witnessed aggression

Learn about social interaction and relationships from what they hear and observe in their families		learn about aggression in observed interactions

Points to keep in mind

little ones are highly vulnerable to maltreatment including shaken baby injuries
women with babies require and deserve extra support with basic needs
if a mother is struggling, help with parenting at this early point can get things on the right track early in a child's life

ensure the mother is safe from violence and children are safe from maltreatment
help with housing, accessing income assistance, accessing medical services, and other assistance she requires: see the handout called You Know What You Need: Ask for It!
offer support to the woman as a mother (e.g., parenting assistance, referral to moms-and-tots group, etc.)
make a referral to the local home-visiting program for young mothers and babies
a high-quality child care program will be respite for the woman and help the child with self-regulation and age-appropriate socialization
assist the woman gain legal advice if required for custody and support issues
discuss the strategies she might use to address safety of the child when on access visits with her ex-partner: see the handout called Navigating Children's Contact with their Father
help her find the Ontario Early Years Centre nearest to where she lives
consult the local Children's Aid Society if you have concerns a baby might be at risk for abuse/neglect or in need of protection: see Knowing When to Report Child Maltreatment

Use these handouts in interventions with women, either in a one-on-one intervention or as discussion material in a group intervention.

What About Me! Seeking to Understand the Child's View of Violence in the Family (2004), by Alison Cunningham & Linda Baker. London ON: Centre for Children & Families in the Justice System.

Find all the Centre's resources about children and domestic violence on this resource page.