At the Conference on Crimes Against Women, we know that violence doesn’t happen in isolation—and neither do its effects. During Child Abuse Awareness Month, we are reminded that when a woman experiences abuse, her children often do too—not always directly, but always deeply.
Whether a child witnesses the abuse, hears it from the next room, or sees the aftermath etched into their mother’s face, the impact is profound. Studies show that children who grow up in homes where domestic violence is present are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, developmental delays, and even chronic health issues. The home should be a safe place to grow. When it becomes a battleground, children carry those invisible wounds for years—sometimes for life.
The relationship between violence against women and the well-being of their children is a ripple effect. What starts as abuse against one person reverberates outward, touching every corner of the family system. Children absorb fear even when it’s unspoken. They internalize instability. They often learn that love can hurt and that silence is safer than seeking help.
This month, and every month, CCAW is committed to ending the cycle.
We believe that supporting survivors is a powerful form of prevention—not just for them, but for their children. When we empower a mother to escape, heal, and rebuild, we change the trajectory of her child’s life. When we train law enforcement, advocates, and medical professionals to recognize the signs and intervene safely, we protect two generations at once. And when we raise awareness of these interconnected issues, we foster a culture that refuses to let violence hide in the shadows.
Your presence at CCAW fuels a ripple effect in ending violence.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can stop the cycle.
