Nearly half of all men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children.
 

Nationally, 75 percent of battered women say that their children are also battered.
 

Shelters report that the number one reason battered women give for fleeing the home is that the perpetrator was also attacking the children.
 

Some perpetrators intentionally or unintentionally physically injure the children during the attacks on the adult victim.

	Used as weapon against victim – thrown at victim and injured, or injure on purpose to get victim to cooperate.
	Step in from to protect victim, mother holding small child when pushed or thrown around.

Some perpetrators assault the abused adult in front of the children.

	Threats of violence against pets or other loved objects is very traumatic for the young children who often do not make a distinction between themselves and the pet or object and see that attack as on themselves.
	Research reveals that children who witness domestic violence are affected in the same way as children who are physically and sexually abused themselves.

Violence is learned. Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to be involved in violent relationships as adults.
 

Children growing up in violent homes have:

	Six times greater likelihood of attempting suicide.
	74 percent greater chance of committing crimes against others.
	24 times more likely to commit sexual assault crimes.

Children are learning that “You hurt the ones you love.”