25/08/2025
In 2011, researchers at University College London (UCL), working with the Anna Freud Centre, found that children exposed to family violence show increased activity in brain areas that detect threats. When these children saw angry faces, regions like the anterior insula and amygdala became more active—similar to the brain responses of soldiers who have experienced combat. The study looked at 43 children, 20 of whom had experienced family violence, and 23 who had not.
All the children were otherwise healthy, showing that family violence can affect brain function even without mental health issues. Researchers believe these brain changes may help children stay alert in unsafe environments but could also increase the risk of anxiety later in life. This study highlights how early exposure to abuse can shape the brain’s emotional systems and long-term mental health.
