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Is Witnessing Abuse Considered Child Abuse?

by Anonymous
(Minnesota, USA)

When I was little my dad would become mad and punch holes in walls and doors. He would also abuse my brother by grabbing, shaking, yelling, and holding him off his feet against the wall. These things were never aimed at me, but now, whenever he's mad, I'm afraid he's going to hit me (even though he never does). Was (is) this a form of abuse?

Note from Darlene: My answer can be found at the link below.

Email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses AND website/blog URLs in visitor comments are strictly prohibited.

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Is Witnessing Abuse Considered Child Abuse?

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Dec 27, 2007
 Emotional Abuse
by: Darlene Barriere - webmaster

What you described is called "Witnessing," which is a form of emotional child abuse. The terrorizing section on my Types of Emotional Abuse page on this site provides more information and details the effects of witnessing abuse.

I urge you to contact ChildHelp to talk to someone about what you have and possibly still are witnessing. They can be reached online at www.childhelp.org or by phone at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

Darlene Barriere
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir
Dec 28, 2007
 is this abuse????
by: Karen

Both my brother and I were pysically abused by my step-father. It started when I was 6 and my brother 4. I can still hear his screams for help, but I don't remember mine. His trauma has impacted me more than anything I ever went through at the hands of that monster. I am now 53, my brother 51 and I have never forgotten. I felt so helpless as if it were my responsibility to save my little brother. Dr.s have told me I was only a child that it wasn't my responsibility. Someone should have saved both of us.......In answer to you question. Yes, it was abuse for you to have witnessed what you did. My heart is with you.....

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