More than three million children witness domestic violence in their homes each year.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 90% of children from violent homes witness their fathers beating their mothers, and 75% of battered women say their children are physically or sexually abused. Boys who witness their father’s violence are 10 times more likely to engage in spouse abuse later in life than boys from non-violent homes. Children who witness violence at home are at a greater risk for alcohol or drug abuse, teen pregnancy, and dating violence. Our mission is to end the violence by breaking the cycle and helping children to overcome domestic abuse in the home.
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Warning Signs
- General fearfulness, nightmares - Hyper-vigilance (constant fear of impending danger) - Troubled responses to fear, anger, and sadness - Anxieties around separation and loss - Feelings of powerlessness and defensive responses, including identification with the aggressor - An exaggerated sense of guilt and feeling responsible for protecting a parent and/or brother or sister - An attitude that it is not acceptable or safe to feel, be or behave like a child - Poor conflict resolution skills - Increased physical aggression, acting out
Domestic Violence Children’s Program Goals:
- Strengthen self-esteem - Teach non-violent ways to express emotions and solve problems - Improve the ability to cope with effects of living in a violent or abusive home - Improve the ability to cope with stress - Allow children the opportunity to be children - Increase social skills
Our Methodology:
- Age-appropriate therapeutic intervention including elements of play, art and family support - Counseling for individuals, groups, and non-offending family members - Helping children enroll in appropriate school districts - Individual and group tutoring
