Domestic violence can have a significant impact on children and adolescents. Even when a child is not physically assaulted, witnessing or being exposed to domestic violence can have serious effects on their emotional well-being, behavior, development, and sense of safety. Children may experience domestic violence in many ways. They may witness violence between adults, hear threats or arguments, see the aftermath of an incident, be used by an abusive person to control or intimidate another family member, or experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse themselves. Exposure to domestic violence can affect a child’s current well-being and may also have lasting effects into adolescence and adulthood. Every child responds differently, and signs of distress may not always be obvious.