Common Behavioral and Physical Responses to Witnessing Violence

After witnessing violence, children may lose their sense of safety and security. Their world may become a place that seems less predictable, less controllable, and potentially dangerous. In these instances, children may …

Have difficulty sleeping.

Have bad dreams and nightmares.

Become fearful, clingy, and anxious about being separated from their parents.

Start bed-wetting or thumb-sucking again.

Become preoccupied with thoughts and memories of the event.

Have difficulty concentrating.

Become extremely withdrawn or quiet.

Become irritable and disobedient.

Complain of physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches.

Have flashbacks of the traumatic event.

Deliberately avoid thoughts and feelings about the traumatic event.

Become easily startled, jumping at the slightest noise.

Show fears that were not present before the trauma.

Have outbursts of aggressive behavior.

Display a range of grief and loss reactions.

Demonstrate impaired intellectual development.

Develop behavioral problems.

On April 24, 2000, Educational Services Inc., the Child Witness to Violence Project at Boston City Hospital, Family Communications, and NHSA conducted an institute on working with children and families who witness violence (funded by the Center for Mental Health Services). The monograph Silent Realities: Working With Children Who Witness Violence and Their Families along with informational brochures will be available (in English and Spanish) this September. For information, call the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice (ESILSG) at (202) 628-8080 or visit www.cwresource.org.