Domestic Violence and Bullying: The Connection

As many of you may know by now October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  When discussing domestic violence it is important to discuss the issue of bullying.  Initially, bullying may not seem to be related to domestic violence.  However, a number of studies and researchers have found a connection between bullying and domestic violence, and have suggested that by teaching students about bullying we may be able to prevent domestic violence in the future.

In one study led by Harvard School of Public Health, researchers found that those who act abusively towards others are likely to do so through childhood even into adulthood.  The study found a link between bullying others at school and domestic violence later in life.  Those who are bullies and are abusive in their younger years do not always outgrow these abusive behaviors.

This fact leads to the question what influences those who bully?  One study by the Center for Disease control, found that those who bully and even those who are bullied are more likely to have witnessed violence at home or been a victim of violence at home.  Both bullies and those being bullied may be learning from their environment.  They see violence around them and believe that it is okay to either treat others that way (the bully) or be treated that way (the victim).  Once they are out of school these beliefs may follow with them and bullies may continue to abuse others because they have learned it is okay.  Those being bullied may believe that they deserved to be treated in that way.

To prevent bullying in schools and perhaps future violence, we can offer schools and children prevention education programs focused on bullying and conflict resolution.  Programs such as these can teach children that bullying is wrong and that no one deserves to be bullied.  These programs also teach students tolerance towards others and help children acknowledge that violence in any form is not right.

Sara G

Education Outreach