Children who witness abuse 'more likely' to suffer as adults

A women's rights campaigner has spoken frankly to Daybreak about the abuse between her parents that she witnessed as a child.

Erin Pizzey, who started womens charity Refuge, said she became "the defender" for her mother, as she was "the eldest and the biggest" out of the three children.

"In a sense, I always took the defending role of my mother because she used to cry and weep and burden us with her hatred of our father."

Nurses should be trained more to spot symptoms of domestic violence in families so authorities can intervene earlier, a charity has said.

The Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) wants more to be done to protect children from witnessing abuse after a wide-ranging report found it can lead to depression and anti-social behaviour in their adult years.

The charity recommended Government departments work closer with providers and representatives of the children's workforce to ensure authorities are trained to spot the signs of a child dealing with an abusive parent.

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Youngsters who have witnessed domestic abuse between their parents are more likely suffer from an increase in fear throughout into their adult years, a report has found.

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Children were also more likely to suffer from inhibition, depression, high levels of aggression and antisocial behaviour which can last throughout their teenage years into adulthood.

The review, conducted by the independent charity the Early Intervention Foundation, recommended all families should have a basic training in how to respond and report domestic abuse.

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