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Abuse Services > Child/Family
Advocacy Program
Family Violence . . .and Kids
The
Voice
of a Client . . .
“It has been very helpful
to have personnel that can talk to me and my family about
behavior and how it affects others, as well as choices
that can be made and changes that can be utilized for
a positive outcome.
I’m grateful for the people and organizations that
have made this program possible for people like us. Thank
you.”
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When grown-ups fight, they often don’t
realize just how aware their children are of what is happening.
Kids may not show it or say anything, but they are usually confused,
scared, and upset when there is verbal and physical violence at
home.
Kids may also be at risk for developing emotional and behavioral
problems at home and at school. Those around them may misunderstand
these reactions because they may not realize that family violence
affects children, too.
Problems may include . . .
- feelings of fear, shame,
confusion
- depression, anxiety. lower self-esteem
- irritability, anger, aggressive, disruptive
behavior
- changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- bedwetting or other regressive behavior
- headaches and stomachaches
- problems with
friends
- trouble paying attention and learning
- truancy, running away, substance use,
legal trouble
- higher risk of being abused by or abusing
a partner
Kids may learn
to believe that . . .
-
what has happened was their fault
- they should
have stopped it
- violence is a way to solve
conflicts
- violence is a way to control others
- people who love each other hit each other
You can help. . .
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Get help to stop the abuse
- Talk to your kids about
what has happened
- Tell them it’s not
their fault
- Let them know you love them
and will keep them safe
- Help them talk about
their experience
- Get them help if they need it.
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