The first years of a child’s life are a time of their most active development, making them particularly vulnerable to external influences. Ensuring safety and a harmonious environment for your child is the primary responsibility of parents. But what if you are faced with situations that threaten not only the emotional but also the physical well-being of your child?
Domestic Violence: A Danger to Mother and Child
Unfortunately, society often silences the issue of domestic violence, adhering to the belief that “dirty laundry should not be aired in public.” However, statistics reveal the scale of this problem. Every year, the police register over 100,000 reports of domestic violence. Experts estimate that this is only 10% of the actual number of cases.
Domestic violence can take various forms—physical, sexual, psychological, or economic. For a mother and her child, these forms of abuse are especially dangerous. The period of pregnancy and early motherhood, when a woman and her child need the most support, often becomes a “trigger” for violence in the family.
Why Is This Dangerous for a Child?
Domestic violence affects not only the mother but also the child, even if they are not the direct victim. For children aged 0 to 3, emotional attachment to their parents is being formed, making any stress or aggression in the family detrimental to their psycho-emotional development. Children who witness violence may experience sleep and appetite issues, developmental delays, and difficulties with socialization.
How to Recognize and Act?
If you feel that the atmosphere in your family poses a threat to your child’s safety or your own, do not ignore it. Early intervention can protect health and, in some cases, save lives. You have the right to seek help:
- Contact specialists: Patronage nurses working within the project “Implementation of the Universal Progressive Model of Home Visiting” can provide the necessary advice and support to improve the family environment.
- Protect your rights: The 24-hour hotline 15-47 offers legal and psychological support, as well as information on protection and relocation to a safe place.
Preventing Domestic Violence: Creating a Harmonious Environment
To avoid such situations, focus on building a safe atmosphere in your family:
- Communicate openly: Regularly discuss your feelings, needs, and concerns with your partner.
- Don’t keep problems hidden: Even in crises, seek help—from specialists, relatives, or friends.
- Educate yourself: Attend Responsible Parenting Classes, where you will learn how to build trust in the family and ensure your child’s harmonious development.
The Responsible Parenting Classes are part of the project “Implementation of the Universal Progressive Model of Home Visiting and Integrated Child-Centered Medical Services at the Local Level in Specific Regions of Ukraine.” This initiative is implemented by the In Touch Ukraine Foundation with the support of UNICEF Ukraine and financial assistance from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the German Development Bank (KfW).
Remember
Your care for yourself and your child is the first step toward building their happy and safe future.