Scientists have discovered yet another far-reaching consequence can witnessing domestic violence can have upon children and yet another reason to keep fighting to stamp out domestic violence: A study has found that it can actually change and "scar" DNA
"Telomeres are the caps at the end of chromosomes that keep them from shrinking when cells replicate and Shorter telomeres are linked to higher risks for heart disease, obesity, cognitive decline, diabetes and mental illness."
"Young people in homes affected by domestic violence or suicide have significantly shorter telomeres - or 'caps' on their genes - than those in stable households.
Such genetic damage could also increase the child’s risk of heart disease, obesity and other problems as they grow up".
Family-level stressors, such as witnessing a family member get hurt, created an environment that affected the DNA within the cells of the children,’ said lead author Dr Stacy Drury, director of the Behavioural and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Laboratory at the university.
‘"The greater the number of exposures these kids had in life, the shorter their telomeres were - and this was after controlling for many other factors, including socioeconomic status, maternal education, parental age and the child’s age."
The study, which is published in the journal Pediatrics, found that traumatic family events had a more damaging effect on young girls – who were more likely to have shortened telomeres – than boys.
The research suggests that intervening in a child’s poor home life is important in reducing the biological impacts of adversity.
Yet another hurdle that child witnesses of DV must contend with and another reason to protect them at all costs
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