SEMAH — Connecting You to Help and Hope Language
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SEMAH’s mission is the promotion of healthier relationships and prevention of domestic violence through education and awareness of options. We are a conduit for resources to help build bridges to safer communities especially those that are not well served. We have a special focus on the Muslim and inter-faith communities.

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Children who live in a home where domestic violence occurs are:

  • At least 7 times more likely to be abused (physically and sexually).
  • Are profoundly effected by witnessing abuse as well as by experiencing it.
  • Are at increased risk of continuing the pattern in their adult relationships.

Emotional impact of witnessing violence

Even if the children are not the targets, witnessing abuse will profoundly affect them.

They may grow up believing that abuse is normal in relationships. This may make them more prone to abuse or to tolerate abuse.

They need the help of a therapist or specialist trained to work with children exposed to domestic violence.

Domestic violence agencies sometimes have staff with this expertise, or can locate such specialists.