In families where harm is occurring, it is often hoped that children are protected by not seeing or hearing what’s happening.
There are however psychological, emotional, environmental and economic factors associated with harm that can have a significantly negative impact.
Children’s basic and developmental needs can be disrupted or limited, along with their social and educational opportunities, due to lack of access to finances.
Parents or caregivers can become emotionally unavailable and children may need to negotiate issues that occur at home.
They can be left feeling responsible, confused and isolated.
Their confidence and self-esteem can become eroded, impacting their overall wellbeing and psychological recovery. In the long term, economic harm can negatively affect a child’s mental wellbeing, and lead to social or behavioural issues, depending on their age, the level of harm and the length of exposure.