​CHILDREN'S PROGRAM SERVICES

• 24 hour emergency assistance to child victims of domestic violence.
• 24 hour crisis line.
• Specialized intake procedures for children to identify medical, educational, or developmental needs.
• Individual advocacy.
• Crisis intervention.
• Age appropriate support groups for children.
• Community education.
• Rural outreach.
• Information and referral.
• Audio/Visual resources.

​ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE "SILENT VICTIMS" OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are at high risk of suffering physical abuse themselves.  Regardless of whether children are physically abused, the emotional effects of witnessing domestic violence are very similar to the psychological trauma associated with being a victim of child abuse.  Each year, an estimated minimum of 3.3 million children witness domestic violence.

The entire community feels the negative effects of domestic violence on children.  Children from violent homes have higher risks of alcohol/drug abuse and juvenile delinquency.  Today's child growing up in a violent home may be tomorrow's prison inmate.  A great majority of violent criminals were raised in abusive homes.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTS:

• More than half of the children whose mothers are battered are likely to be physically abused themselves.    
• Whether or not the children are physically abused, they often suffer emotional and psychological trauma from living in homes where their parents' abuse each other.  
• Violence may pass from generation to generation.  Most experts believe that children who are raised in abusive homes learn that violence is an effective way to resolve conflicts and problems.     
• Family violence is a widespread problem in our society.  It cuts across all racial, ethnic, religious, educational, economic and sexual orientation backgrounds.  

HOW CAN I TELL IF A CHILD MAY BE LIVING IN A VIOLENT HOME?

• Unusual or unexplained injuries, chronic illness, headaches, or stomach aches.
• Signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene or dirty clothing.
• Withdrawal (for example, playing alone and having no friends).
• Depression
• Use of violence to solve conflicts.
• Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping during school.
• Flashbacks or nightmares.
• Difficulty expressing emotions other than anger.
• School problems, including lengthy absence.
• Acting overly responsible (as if they are “the adult” of the family.

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH AND CARING FOR A CHILD FROM A VIOLENT HOME:

• Set clear limits and be consistent in how you reward success and how you deal with misbehavior.
• Be honest, let the child know what you can and can't do to help and don't make promises that you can't keep.
• Help reduce stress, create a calm, safe environment.
• Encourage play, help a child break free from the isolation, provide lots of opportunities for play, especially with other children.
• Promote healthy self-expression, teach the child to express feelings through talking, writing, drawing, and music, not violence.
• Teach self-control, help the child stay in control when angry of frustrated (by counting to 20, taking a time out, etc.).
• Build self-esteem, encourage the child to believe that he or she is worthy of love, not abuse.
• Tell the child often that he or she is not responsible for violence at home.