Use this hope list activity when you want to journal and are in a good place emotionally. Then, when you are having a hard time you can go back and read the lists and remind yourself that better days are ahead. Make a list of . . .
ten things you can do to comfort yourself when you are feeling down.
Never let go of tomorrow.
Close your eyes and imagine you are hearing what your child is about to hear.
Take a brief walk or jog, if someone is available to watch the children.
Put the child in a time out. Remember, one minute per year of age.
Put yourself in time out. Think about why you are feeling angry.
Take a deep breath, and remember that you are the adult.
Press your lips together and count to twenty.
Raising a child is a full-time job, but well worth the effort!
Support groups provide a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental environment for you to examine your relationship. Whether you are currently in an unhealthy relationship or have been in one in the past, groups help give you the support you need to move beyond abuse. One of the largest advantages of support groups are that they involve other people who have been through the same kinds of things you have been through. There is no support like the support of other victims. If you or someone you know may be interested in attending one of our support groups, please contact us at 540-635-2302.
Any domestic violence in the home will affect children.
In a domestic violence situation children can be overlooked, especially if there's no indication that they've been harmed directly. Of course, we can all understand that a child who is a target of domestic violence is going to be traumatized, but even as silent witnesses to violence against a parent or sibling, children are victims. It's important to know this and to recognize that something might be wrong, because a child may not admit to their experiences out of confusion or fear.
Q: How do children react to domestic violence?
A: Because each incident is unique and multiple factors will influence children's responses, not all children are equally affected by domestic violence. Some children don't show obvious signs of stress or will develop their own coping strategies; others may have more severe post-traumatic stress reactions. A child's age, experience, prior trauma history, and temperament will all affect his or her reaction.
Q: What are some short-term responses?
feel numb, frozen, or shut down, cut off from normal life and other people.
Q: What about responses in the long term?
Q: What are the factors that help aid in recovery?
A: Most people are resilient if given the proper help following traumatic events. Research has shown that the support of family and community are key to increasing children's capacity to heal and in helping them recover and thrive. Crucial to a child's recovery is the presence of a positive, caring, and protective adult in their life. Even just one compassionate caregiver, teacher, mentor, advocate etc. can make an important difference.
Newsletters are a valuable resource for any non profit organization. We are in need of an individual who is comfortable setting up and maintaining a quarterly newsletter for Phoenix Project.