Violence in the home

Domestic violence can involve physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional abuse. Emotional and behavioral problems may occur in the short term as well the long term. In the short term them may experience regression to earlier development stages, anxiety, aggression, or speech difficulties brought on by stress, amongst other difficulties (Domestic violence and children, n.d.). A close friend of mine grew up in a home where her father would physically and verbally abuse her mother. She was exposed to this ongoing behaviour throughout her entire childhood and early adulthood. As she grew older, her mother was exposed to verbal abuse without the physical aspect. As a child, my friend remembered being reserved, uncomfortable in different situations, and depressed (even at a young age). The impact it made on her as a toddler caused her to have problems with self-esteem, which caused her to experiment with harmful drugs as well as self-abuse. Throughout her life, teachers noticed her difficulties and would initially bring it up with her parents. However, as the problems were occurring in the home, not much was done. Unfortunately, my friend was unable to receive the proper care, such as therapy or other active outlets. Despite her situation, she is doing well working towards a masters degree and continues to strive. She lives with her mother, who has recently separated from her father. However, these detrimental issues that she faced as a child has contributed to her dysfunctional relationships as she has experienced physical abuse in her relationships as well.

Regarding violence, civil unrest occurs often in Thailand due to different political views. Ethnic division has caused violent movements against the Thai movement in the past and the failure in negotiations have leaf to a greater "monopoly of power of the government, controlling all ministries, the police, and military" (Militante, n.d.). Civil unrest can cause harm to a young child's development. Diseases and children that are caught in a cross fire of fighting that are caused by armed conflict will physically be harmed. Civil unrest can also lead to disrupted health services and limited food supplies. Cognitive development can also be stunted with psychosocial concerns as they witness their caregivers and/or family in vulnerable situations (Impact of armed conflict on children, n.d.). Talks and negotiations are made regularly to control the unrest and try to ensure that problems are being confronted. However, I would like to understand more about these situations in Thailand to comprehend the specific details of how issues are being dealt with and how children are currently being affected with the more calmer situation.

References:
Domestic violence and children. (n.d.). Better Health Channel. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/domestic_violence_and_children

Impact of armed conflict on children. (n.d.). United Nations Organization. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/rights/impact.htm

Militante, C. (n.d.). Thai intellectuals grapple with issues of democracy and civil unrest. Focus on the Global South. Retrieved from http://focusweb.org/content/thai-intellectuals-grapple-issues-democracy-and-civil-unrest