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Intergenerational Domestic Violence: How Does It Work?
How do we learn Domestic Violence?
From seeing it from other people like parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, TV, Movies, Songs
Some Things that we Believe to be True:
"What is intergenerational domestic violence? Intergenerational cycles of
violence occurs when violence is passed from parent to child, or sibling to sibling. Children exposed to domestic violence are likely to develop behavioral problems, such as regressing, exhibiting out of control behavior, and imitating behaviors." (Source).
"The association between childhood exposure to domestic violence and later intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in adulthood has been well established in the literature. However, the literature examining the factors of exposure that contribute to perpetration in adulthood is fraught with mixed findings, with some studies finding a direct link between childhood domestic violence exposure and later IPV perpetration and others ruling out a link after controlling for other contextual barriers such as community violence and socioeconomic status. This study examined 124 non-treatment-seeking and unadjudicated adult male IPV perpetrators and found exposure to domestic violence in childhood contributes to the normalization of violence, which could predict future adult IPV perpetration." (Source).
"The prevalence and impact of childhood exposure to adult domestic violence (DV) has been documented for more than 20 years. It is estimated that 3 to 10 million U.S. children are exposed to adult DV in their households by seeing it, hearing it, or observing the aftermath of such violence (Carlson, 1984, 2000; Straus, 1992). Although exposure to adult DV is neither a prerequisite nor a determinant for problem behaviors, children who have been exposed to DV are more likely to exhibit cognitive and behavioral problems (e.g., acceptance of violence, withdrawal, aggression) when compared to those not exposed to violence in their homes (Appel & Holden, 1998; Edleson, 1999; Edleson et al., 2007; Lehmann, 2000; Rossman, 2001). For clarity, we are using domestic violence for exposure to violence in childhood, and intimate partner violence for adult perpetration of the violence." (Source).
"Previous research shows higher rates of IPV perpetration are associated with higher levels of childhood DV exposure (Delsol & Margolin, 2004; Ehrensaft et al., 2003; Murrell, Christoff, & Henning, 2007). Based on a review of 21 studies, Delsol and Margolin (2004) found a range of 34% to 54% of men who engaged in IPV as adults were exposed to DV as children, compared with the 8% to 27% of men without a history of violence in their childhood home. At the same time, the relative effects of childhood exposure to DV are still quite mixed (Feldman, 1997; Holtzworth-Munroe, Bates, Smutzler, & Sandin, 1997; Hotaling & Sugarman, 1986). For example, a proportion of children exposed to DV do not exhibit more cognitive or behavioral problems when compared to children not so exposed, which has been explained in part by resilience in the children (Graham-Bermann, 1996)." (Source).
Social learning theory (SLT) states that people behave as they do in part as a result of observing and imitating others’ behaviors (Bandura, 1973, 1977). We internalize attitudes learned from others, imitate behaviors of our role models, and receive reinforcement through positive and negative feedback from our role models (Wareham, Boots, & Chavez, 2009, p. 163). Indeed, studies have found that individuals exposed to DV in their childhood might learn abusive behaviors and perpetrate IPV in their adulthood (Ehrensaft et al., 2003; Feldman, 1997; Stith et al., 2000; Wareham et al., 2009; Widom, 1989). Delsol and Margolin (2004) noted that exposure to family violence could also lead to distorted beliefs about violence, including seeing IPV as an accepted component of family life. This latter explanation, IPV as an accepted component of family life, led to the selection of one of the constructs for this study: perceived norms of IPV perpetration." (Source).
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What are some key symptoms of intergenerational trauma?
"Common symptoms of generational trauma can include:
Hyper-vigilance.
Difficulty trusting others.Low self-esteem.
Fear of death.
Hopelessness.
Substance abuse problems.
Mental health disorders." (Source.)
Some says that Facts support Theories, and Theories compel postulation of certain Hypotheses, such as as "The intergenerational transmission hypothesis (which) predicts that experiencing physical abuse in childhood will lead to increased risk for physically abusing one's own children" (Source).
"Even if descendants don’t directly experience the original trauma, they may still exhibit emotional or psychological symptoms tied to it, especially as they learn fears, responses, and coping mechanisms from their caregivers.
Generational trauma is sometimes called “family trauma,” but it can be used to refer to any type of bonded community that experience traumatic events or behaviors, even if they are not directly related.
The psychological and emotional effects of traumatic events can be passed down over time through teaching that stems from feeling unsafe or unstable.
These effects can often cause intense challenges for future generations and can last for centuries if left untreated.
Generational trauma may be seen in families with trauma survivors who have experienced oppression, racism, discrimination, or violence." (Source).
War is also at root of a great deal of generational trauma.
Going further:
"How Do You Uncover Generational Trauma?
"Generational trauma can be seen in individuals through various symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or self-destructive behaviors.
Relationships within a family with generational trauma may involve codependency or unhealthy attachment styles. These attachment styles can cause dysfunctional family dynamics that can perpetuate the effects of generational trauma.
To uncover generational trauma, you must first identify where the traumatic responses are coming from. The sources of generational trauma, such as systematic discrimination, can be difficult to uproot, even after they are identified.
The second step is to acknowledge the trauma and its impact on your life non-judgmentally. Feelings of guilt or shame can make symptoms worse.
Then, it is essential that families and communities experiencing the collateral of generational trauma seek professional support. For example, this could look like family therapy under the guidance of someone in the psychiatry field.
After learning coping strategies and finding effective support systems, it becomes possible to heal." (Source.)
From A Different Angle, we see that:
"The term cycle of violence refers to repeated and dangerous acts of violence as a cyclical pattern,[1] associated with high emotions and doctrines of retribution or revenge.[citation needed] The pattern, or cycle, repeats and can happen many times during a relationship.[1] Each phase may last a different length of time, and over time the level of violence may increase.[citation needed] The phrase has been increasingly widespread since first popularized in the 1970s.[2]
It often refers to violent behaviour learned as a child, and then repeated as an adult, therefore continuing on in a perceived cycle.[3] (Source.)
How Can We Prevent Intergenerational DV?
"How to stop intergenerational abuse?
One of the most significant ways to break generational trauma is by openly and honestly communicating with your children and other family members or caregivers. Another way is to try to observe and gain awareness of your family's patterns and whether you contribute to these patterns too.Oct 22, 2024" (Source).
"How Do You Start Healing Generational Trauma?
Taking the step to start healing generational trauma can be a big one, but some ways to start can involve:
Finding the root source of the trauma
Accepting the trauma
Working on being open to change
Practicing self-care
Allowing yourself to grieve and process your emotions
Seeking professional support and trauma treatment
Trauma-informed care can be a practical and effective approach for individuals with generational trauma and focuses on understanding, acknowledging, and responding to a person’s life experiences." (Source).
"What Are Some Coping Mechanisms You Can Use to Heal Historical Trauma?
There are some tips and techniques that you can use to manage and heal from generational trauma, which can include:
Learning how to identify, acknowledge, and accept your trauma
Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Learning to set boundaries
Practicing self-care
Communicating and finding support from others
Historical trauma refers to multigenerational trauma that occurs in specific cultural, racial, or ethnic groups and is related to oppression and major traumatic events like slavery, the Holocaust, forced migration, or the colonization of Native Americans." (Source.)
"Historica Trauma can also devastate multiple generations of survivors of Wars and Gandfather.
Some ways to help heal from historical trauma can include:
Connecting with people who are strong in the culture and ancestry
Finding support from others and working through grief together
Acknowledging your feelings and experiences
If you or a loved one have generational trauma, reaching out for professional support from a therapist, clinician, or another mental health professional is best.
Seeking therapy for generational trauma or historical trauma can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms and begin to heal and break the patterns left by oppression, violence, and discrimination."
Family therapy can also help work to heal the entire family system." (Source).
Survivors of Wars in their own lands, survivors of severe Gang Violence, and survivors of other catastrophies such as "The Great Depression" can also have pass along the trauma reaction to their children.
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