Children growing up in homes marked by violence between adults perform significantly worse in school compared to their peers, according to a new report from Children’s Aid (Børns Vilkår). The report, titled “Psychological Violence at Home,” reveals alarming differences in academic performance and well-being among children exposed to domestic violence. According to the report, these children have an absentee rate of 9.5%, while their classmates have a rate of 5.2%. Only three-quarters of children exposed to violence pass the primary school leaving exam, and those who do pass achieve an average grade of 5.9. In comparison, 89% of other students pass the exam, with an average grade of 7.5.
“These children not only struggle with academic challenges, but also with psychological and physical symptoms such as stomach pain and thoughts of suicide,” explains Anne Kappelgaard Bove, a special consultant at Children’s Aid. “They have difficulty reaching out for help, and when they do, they are often met with distrust from their parents.” The study, which includes data from 7,564 children, also shows that 76% of children who have experienced violence between adults have themselves been victims of violence. This underscores the vicious cycle of violence that often occurs in these homes.
As part of the solution, Children’s Aid proposes a new section in the criminal code that makes it punishable to commit violence in the presence of a child. “We are looking at models from other countries, such as Norway, where such laws are already in place. It is crucial that we acknowledge the deep and lasting impact that domestic violence has on children,” says Anne Kappelgaard Bove. The report from Children’s Aid is a call to action to protect children from the harmful consequences of domestic violence and ensure them a more stable and secure future.