The impact of this type of violence on children is noted in the literature as varied. It ranges, for example, from mental health impacts—and long-term mental health impacts.... Children show symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety. Children also show school disengagement and less success in school, difficulty concentrating.
There also is research that suggests generational patterns of violence. There is research that suggests that children who have witnessed violence sometimes go on to engage in that behaviour later in life themselves.