Domestic abuse takes many forms. It includes verbal, emotional, psychological and, unfortunately physical abuse. It can be directed at anyone – children, elders or partners.
Sometimes, under the pressure of work or perhaps finances, parents get angry with their children.
The impact can last a long time because it can shape the child's development and have consequences that affect the rest of their lives. It can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and so on. Money problems and communication breakdowns are fatal to family harmony.
The best way to deal with these things is to talk about them before they actually become problems.
Regular family meetings are a good start. They provide a safe environment for family members to share their views.
Honest communication builds mutual trust. Mutual trust is the basis of a healthy family.
Ho Wing Sze (5E)
South China Morning Post
( November 3, 2008 )