We offer support services to children between the ages of 5 and 17 who have been exposed to domestic violence.
Facts About the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
- Over 5 million children witness domestic violence each year.
- A child witnessed violence in 22% of intimate partner violence cases filed in state courts.
- 30 to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.
- Males who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
- Females are more likely to be victims as adults.
- Young criminal offenders are 4 times more likely to come from abusive homes.
How domestic violence impacts on young people
- Self-blame for being unable to prevent the abuse
- Anger about violence and chaos in their lives
- Regression in development, depending on age
- Poor anger management and problem-solving skills
- Isolation from friends and relatives
- Difficulty in trusting, especially adults
- Excessive attention-seeking, often using extreme behaviors
- Bedwetting and nightmares
- Out of control behaviors, unable to set own limits or follow directions
- Take on a caretaker role prematurely, trying to protect their mother
- Poorly developed communication skills
- Poor self-image
- Eating disorders
- Low academic achievement
Our services are free and confidential and include:
- Care Coordination
- Safety Planning
- Court advocacy and accompaniment
- Individual Therapy
- Healthy Relationship support groups for teens
- Educational groups for children who have witnessed violence
- Parent Education
- Holiday Programs