THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF MINORS: ANALYSIS OF CAUSES, MANIFESTATIONS AND WAYS OF COUNTERACTION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the actual and extremely important problem of domestic violence, especially in the context of its negative impact on minors. In the context of socio-economic changes taking place in Ukraine, domestic violence remains a serious threat not only to the physical but also to the mental health of children. The importance of this topic is growing, as domestic violence can have devastating consequences for the formation of a child’s personality and development. The article analyses different forms of domestic violence, including physical, psychological and sexual violence, and examines in detail their consequences for children’s psycho-emotional and social development. The study shows that children who with nessorare victims of violence often faceserious behavioural problems, such as aggression, with drawal, and emotional disorders, including depression and anxiety. They also have anincreased risk of becoming involved in crime, which threatens not only their future but also the safety of society as a whole. The author of the article emphasises the importance of timely detection of cases of violence and outlines the role of educators, social services and lawenforcement agencies in this process. To ensure effective assistance to victims of violence, it is necessary to create clear mechanisms of interaction between these institutions. The article provides recommendations for training teachers and specialists, developing clear algorithms for dealing with cases of violence, and actively involving parents in preventive measures. Particular attention is paid to the prevention of violence and the formation of non-violent behaviour among childrenas as guarantee of their healthy development. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of such measures, as the formation of positive behavioural models in children will help reduce the incidence of violence in the future. The conclusions of the article emphasise the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem of domestic violence. This approach should include active cooperation between educational institutions, social services and lawenforcement agencies, which will allow for aneffective response to cases of violence and support forvictims. Establishing a system of violence prevention and victim support is critical to creating a safe, healthy and humane environment for children. The study suggests ways to improve existing strategies aimed at reducing domestic violence and improving the quality of life of minors affected by this phenomenon.