Behind Closed Doors

Children Who Witness Domestic Violence

This video addresses the impact that witnessing domestic violence has on the developing brain of infants and children and demonstrates the effect on their behaviour and relationships and the long term consequences for their future.

In Part One, clinical psychologist, Dr Sandra Wieland, gives a clear and understandable explanation about what is happening for a child living in a violent home, while the accompanying scenes, from the child's perspective, bring us into their world and their experience. These scenes are gender neutral.

Part Two focuses on the steps that parents and caregivers can take to help children survive this experience with the best possible outcome. The video's intent is not to blame but rather to help parents become aware of what is happening for their children, help teachers and caregivers understand the behaviours that are a result of the impact of witnessing abuse in the home, and provide suggestions to assist in addressing the behaviours in order to achieve healthy outcomes.