Did you know that being witness to Domestic Violence (DV) as a child can alter your DNA? Or that if a pregnant woman experiences DV during her pregnancy, her unborn child is more likely to develop anxiety or depression? A study conducted in 2014 out of New Orleans showed that being exposed to violence in their home resulted in children having shortened chromosome tips (telomeres). The degradation of these telomeres results in cellular aging, and for children in homes where DV is occurring, it can cost them as much as 7 to 10 years. This damage to the child’s DNA also means they are at increased risk for several mental and physical issues, including diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, and obesity.
On September 10th, 2025, there were a total of 33,009 children receiving DV-related services, including 11,409 children that were in DV emergency shelter, 14,634 in DV transitional housing, and 946 in a hotel or motel due to DV.
Every year, for the past 21 years, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has completed a census to determine, on one given day, how many individuals are seeking and receiving services in relation to DV. NNEDV’s 20th Annual Census Report documented that on September 10, 2025, there were a total of 33,009 children receiving DV-related services, including 11,409 children that were in emergency shelter across the US. That was just on that one day! What if 11,500 was the average figure for this circumstance? That means that nearly 4.2 million children would have entered emergency shelter with their abused parent, in 2025.
Each year in the US, an estimated 3.3 million to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence in their homes, with 90% being aware of or witness to it. So what exactly does “witness” mean in all of this? It doesn’t just mean being in the room as an altercation takes place. The child may not even be in the home when the actual incident occurs, but can feel the tension building up before, and see the aftermath.
The child can be in the backyard and hear yelling and verbal abuses.
The child can be in their room and hear someone being hit.
The child can be sitting in the kitchen immediately after the fight is over and see broken dishes on the floor.
The child can be getting ready to go to school the day after and see bruises on the abused parent.
The stress and tension from the Cycle of DV has a lasting impact on children. Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), such as nightmares, flashbacks, and hyper-vigilance, have been found in 100% of children in DV homes. They are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, and participate in criminal activity. These children are also 15 times more likely than the national average to be physically or sexually assaulted, and 6 to 10 times more likely to be abused by or abuse their partners as adults, thereby continuing the Cycle of domestic violence. In spite of these odds, it is possible for the Cycle to be stopped and for children to lead healthy and safe lives, through support, intervention, and resources within our communities.
As a parent, professional, friend, or family member, if you have any questions on what information or support may be available, do not hesitate to give the Staff at Arkansas Valley Resource Center a call. AVRC Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
24 Hour Hotline: (719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656
AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding age, race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.
Statistics provided by:
The National DV Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org/
The National Network to End Domestic Violence
www.nnedv.org