The DVC provides individual counseling for children who have witnessed domestic violence in the home. Creative therapies are utilized such as play, art, sand tray and other interactive therapy styles in addition to traditional talk therapy.
Periodically, the DVC offers children’s support groups for children in the same age group. Children in these support groups typically learn about healthy relationships, communication skills and work to improve coping skills.
The effects of domestic violence on children can include:
| Anxiety | |
| Depression | |
| Nightmares | |
| Aggression | |
| Low self-esteem | |
| Acting out | |
| Drug and alcohol abuse | |
| Poor school performance | |
| Death by suicide or homicide | |
Children who witness or are aware of abuse between their parents, are more likely to become involved in abusive relationships as adults.
Ways you can help a child who has witnessed domestic abuse:
- Explain things in language that children can understand
- Tell them that the violence is not their fault
- Give them permission to talk about the violence
- Help make a safety plan which they can follow
- Find them someone outside the family with whom they can share their feelings
- Let them know that others have had similar experiences
If you would like your child to receive counseling services through the DVC, please contact our Client Services Coordinator at 410-997-0304.
