Domestic Violence Impacting Hoosier Kids

LEBANON--Witnessing domestic violence can have long-lasting and profound effects on kids. But the adults who interact with them outside the home may not recognize the signs.  The Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) focused on the problem during a recent event. 

One in ten Indiana children ages 6-17 have seen an adult assault another family member according to the IYI.  Giving people who work with kids the tools they need to identify domestic violence and help families in crisis was the focus of a meeting on Wednesday morning.  

Natalie Phillips with the Domestic Violence Network spoke to a group of youth workers, police officers and school employees in Lebanon.  She says domestic violence can have serious consequences for kids.   

"Most people think their kids aren’t aware of what’s going on but even if they’re witnessing the violence or even hearing the violence on the phone, it can affect their brain chemistry, it can lead to a higher rate of suicide."  Said Phillips.

She says kids will also mirror violence as they grow up and consider it acceptable.  At the event Phillips, addressed how to identify and define different types of abuse, safety planning and connecting families with resources.

IYI says three Hoosier children died as a result of family violence last year.