The expression “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is one of the greatest misnomers in existence. Not only does domestic violence leave physical marks, but it also leaves emotional scars far beyond the healing of physical wounds. And domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it also comprises “economic…sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse”, as well as neglect.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Children of Inmates?
October was first designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Family and domestic violence are abusive behaviors in which one individual gains power over another individual (NIH). Between 3.3 and 10 million children are survivors of domestic violence each year.
Per the Advocates for Children of Incarcerated Parents, a nonprofit that advocates for positive policy change for children of incarcerated parents (CIPs), 36.9% of CIPs experienced domestic violence vs. 5.1% of children without incarcerated parents. CIPs may either be direct recipients of domestic violence (in the form of child abuse), or they may witness intimate partner violence (IPV) between their parents or other adult caregivers.
To add insult to injury, many children are told to keep the abuse a secret and the majority of families do not seek help. Some parents may fear for their safety, or the safety of their child, if they are taken into custody, deported, have their child taken away by CPS, or are otherwise sanctioned. The children are affected significantly as well, experiencing the following:
- Fear that they may lose their parent or other close attachment figures
- Worry about what will happen to them, their siblings, or their parent
- Guilt that they may have caused the abuse or the separation
- Fear that the incarcerated parent will re-appear and resume the abusive behavior
- Worry about how they will get their needs and the needs of their siblings met
- Risk of becoming homeless or being abused again in institutionalized care (ie: foster care)
Due to the trauma of domestic violence, many CIPs can be withdrawn or exhibit aggressiveness, as well as struggle in school. Moreover, they experience PTSD, anxiety and impaired development, and later, dating violence. NIH reports that as many as 80-90% of children who experience domestic violence go on to become abusive toward their children as adults. Moreover, the national economic cost of domestic and family violence is estimated to be over $12 billion per year.
How Sparks for Success is Addressing Effects of Domestic Violence in Children of Inmates
These are alarming statistics, but Sparks for Success is taking steps to help mitigate the effects of domestic violence that CIPs face. While Sparks receives limited information regarding individual students’ situations, the kids who participate in music therapy often display signs or behaviors of potentially being abused in their primary living environments. Some of these indicators can include ADHD, impulsivity, aggression (ie: making fun of other students, throwing things, or starting fights), being withdrawn or frightened, inconsistent school or music therapy session attendance, or a mix of behaviors.
In music therapy, the kids learn ways to calm down when upset or distressed, or how they might respond more positively when they encounter conflict outside of the session. They can experience positive attention and support from the therapist instead of abuse. They are in a physically and emotionally safe environment where they can learn, heal and grow.
Want to see even more kids experience the safety, healing and growth that can come from attending music therapy sessions in school?
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Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/
https://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/national-domestic-violence-awareness-month
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02094/full
