The Importance of Reducing Domestic Violence Against Children

 The Importance of Reducing Domestic 

Violence Against Children

By : Rana Haniyah

Accepted Date : 08 May 2025

    Domestic violence against children and teenagers is a serious issue that needs to be addressed to ensure that every child can achieve their dreams, comfort experience and safety in life and to prevent the formation of a mindset that sees violence as something in normal.

    First, in order that every children can achieve their dreams; Domestic violence (DV) against children can hinder their potential to grow. Children who have violence often lose confidence, feel powerless, and struggle to focus on education or personal development. According to UNICEF, children who grow up in violent environments are more likely to have emotional and mental disorders that can limit their opportunities to achieve their dreams. When children are given a supportive environment, they can develop optimally, enhance their talents, and fulfill their dreams. For example in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, in December 2023, four children age between 1 and 6 years were found dead murdered by their father, panca. This case highlights the slow response of the police in handling domestic violence even though there had been previous reports of violence against the perpetrator’s wife.

    Second, every children can live in safety and comfort, children need safe and loving environment to grow into physically and emotionally healthy individuals. Domestic violence creates fear, anxiety, and even deep trauma. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), children who feel unsafe at home have a higher risk of having anxiety disorders, depression, and difficulties in building healthy social relationships. One example occurred in October 2023, when a 7 year old boy, identified as DN, was abused in Kedungkandang District, Malang City. DN was tortured by five family members, his biological father, stepmother, stepbrother, uncle, and step grandmother. This abuse lasted for six months, causing DN physical injuries and deep trauma.

    Third, domestic violence can make children see violence as normal way, potentially continuing the cycle of violence. Children learn from what they see and have when they grow up in a violent environment, they tend to internalize violence as a normal way to resolve conflicts. Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that children who are victims of domestic violence have higher risk of becoming violent perpetrators in adulthood or choosing abusive partners, continuing the cycle of intergenerational violence. For example, on June 29th 2022, the online media Kompas reported a tragic case in Gorontalo, where a 5 year old child was tortured to death by his stepmother, step grandmother, and biological father. This incident happened in a rented house on Mangggis Street, Gorontalo City. The background of the case was the parents past experiences, as they had also suffered from violence before.

    By reducing domestic violence against children. We give them a chance to have a brighter future, ensure a save and comfrotable life, and help break the cycle of violence in society.