Domestic violence is the least reported most committed crime we have in the

United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that domestic violence is the second most committed crime in the

United States

, second only to petty larceny. Domestic violence is a crime of epidemic proportions and a crime that breeds future criminals. However, most communities ignore domestic violence and often label it a private family matter. A private family matter it is not. Domestic violence is at the root of most crime we deal with in the

United States

If communities are truly committed to reducing overall rates of violence and reducing violent crime today and ten years from today, they must focus on domestic violence and prevention programs. Most police departments, in response to domestic violence, have adopted mandatory or pro-arrest policies, evidence-based investigations and no-drop policies, but prevention programs must start before the family interacts with the criminal justice system. Prevention programs should target children in the schools that are witnessing domestic violence at home or who are in a dating violence relationship.

Children raised in violent homes often imitate the behavior they witness as adults (85% of batterers witnessed violence as children; 50% of victims were raised in violent homes).

The statistics are staggering:

Of all boys aged 11-20 who were arrested for murder, 63% have killed the man who was assaulting their mother (FBI).

Children raised in violent homes are (March of Dimes):
- 6 times as likely to commit suicide
- 26 times as likely to commit sexual assault
- 57 times as likely to abuse drugs
- 74 times as likely to commit other crimes against other persons

Below are some possible “Red Flag” behaviors that a child is the victim of witnessing violence in the home (Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence):

Aggressive: attacking others, destroying property, cruelty to animals, verbal attack
Passive/Withdrawn: avoids conflict, internalizes feelings, becomes the perfect child
Manipulative: extreme jealousy, sulking, “getting sick”
Rebellious/Acts Out: challenges authority, smokes/drinks/drugs, skips school, runs away, steals
Psychological Cues: suicidal ideations/behaviors, depression, self mutilation, phobias, eating disorders, nightmares
Health Problems: headaches, stomach aches, irritable bowels, bedwetting, backaches, skin rashes, mouth ulcers/ cold sores, earaches

Communities must come together to protect these young children. We need to quit labeling them as “secondary” victims of domestic violence and label them as “primary” victims of domestic violence. Without meaningful intervention, these children are our next generation batterers, sex offenders, robbers, cop killers, burglars, drug dealers, and the list goes on.

Safe Homes Promote Safe Communities