write a story reflecting on ill effects of violence and anger
Answers
Jean's son began acting out aggressively when she left his father, who was abusive and controlling.
Her decision to get out was the culmination of years of domestic violence from two partners.
However, despite Jean — not her real name — leaving her abusers behind, the long-term effects of trauma on her then 12-year-old son remained.
"There is always some kind of fallout with domestic violence, and children's brains change under that stress," she said.
"My daughter always wants to be perfect and good, while my son was kind of at the opposite of that spectrum."
Things got worse for her son 'Jack' before they got better.
"The problem was that even though he had contact with his dad, every single time there was an issue, there was either verbal abuse, constant swearing and aggression, road rage, [or] violence," she said.
"My son became very angry because all he wanted was his father's attention, [but] he'd always embarrass and belittle him."