The biggest victims of domestic violence are the smallest. Home is supposed to be a safe and secure environment for children with loving parents and free from violence. Children need a safe environment to come home to when the outside world is unsafe. However, every year, millions of children do not live in a safe home. Millions of children are exposed to violent aggression from a parent. Domestic violence is a widespread social problem in the United States today. First, who is affected by domestic violence. Second, the impact of domestic violence on children. Third, the social harms of domestic violence are illustrated. This article argues that domestic violence has far-reaching effects on children. What makes domestic violence a social problem rather than a personal problem? 20 years ago, domestic violence was considered a women's problem. Domestic violence is a set of behaviors including physical, sexual and psychological violence. Women are largely affected by domestic violence, but it also has lasting consequences on other populations, including children. Children watch a parent being slapped, shaken, burned, kicked, and threatened with knives or guns. Emotional abuse includes isolation from others, strong jealousy, partner control, verbal control and harassment. Domestic violence and psychological abuse are present in all aspects of life. This happens across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, and religious groups in America. Domestic violence creates social, economic, and health problems for victims and others affected by the violence. When Alhabib, Nur, and Jones (2009) studied domestic violence against women, their results concluded that domestic violence...... middle of paper ...... in emergency shelters Americans against domestic violence: what do young adolescent residents and their mothers say? ., and Graham-Bermann, Sandra 2001 “Parenting Among Battered Women: The Effects of Domestic Violence on Women and Their Children.” » Journal of family violence 2001(16)2: 170-192. Retrieved from Ebsco October 1, 2013 Moylan, Herrenkohl, Sousa, Tajima, & Russo, Jean 2009 “The Effects of Child Abuse and Exposure to Domestic Violence on Adolescents' Internalizing and Internalizing.” externalizing behavior problems. Journal of family violence 2010 (25):53-63. Retrieved from Ebsco October 1, 2013 Stanley, Miller and Foster, Helen 2012 “Engaging with children's and parents' perspectives on domestic violence” Journal of Child and Family Social Work 10. (1111): 1365-2206 Extract d 'Ebsco in October. 1, 2013