Witnessing frequent domestic violence in the home could be emotionally abusive to a child.

• A. Not sure
• B. Depends on severity
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Witnessing frequent domestic violence can be emotionally abusive to a child because they rely on a stable and safe caregiving environment to develop healthy emotions and relationships. When violence occurs in the home, the child is exposed to fear, threat, and unpredictability, which triggers chronic stress. This ongoing stress can disrupt attachment to caregivers, contribute to anxiety and depression, and lead to behavior problems, sleep disturbances, and difficulties at school. The impact comes from the exposure itself and the resulting emotional harm, not from whether the child is physically harmed. In many child welfare and developmental frameworks, exposure to domestic violence is recognized as a form of emotional maltreatment, even if the child is not the direct target of physical harm. Therefore, the statement is true.