Children exposed to domestic violence are impacted but are often overlooked victims. Did you know that WEAVE provides services for children, too? WEAVE offers children’s counseling.

Research estimates that 10 to 20% of children witness domestic violence each year. Witnessing domestic violence at home leaves children prone to mental and behavioral health issues as well as increases the likelihood that children will continue the cycle of violence in their own relationships (Carlson, B.E., 2000, Children exposed to intimate partner violence: Research findings and implications for intervention. Trauma, Violence, and Abuse). Children who experience domestic violence are more likely than their peers to experience a range of difficulties including behavioral problems such as depression, aggressive and antisocial behavior and poor social relationships (Brown & Bzostek, 2003). Cognitive problems are also more common including difficulties in school, slower development, and lack of conflict resolution skills (Brown & Bzostek, 2003; Edleson, 2006).

Children who are victims of domestic violence are often taught violence due to learned behavior. They learn that violence is a way to solve problems, a normal part of life, that they are helpless and that the world is an unsafe place.  At WEAVE, our programs are designed to build self-esteem and teach healthy coping mechanisms so that children may deal with the domestic violence they have witnessed. The topics covered through children’s counseling sessions include feelings recognition, healthy families, the cycle of violence, safety planning and assertive communication. Children between the ages of 4 ½ to 17 years are assured that they are not alone and most importantly, that they are not responsible for the violence.  Between January 1 and June 30, 2014, 73 children received a total of 269 hours of counseling services at WEAVE. To learn more about our children’s counseling program, click here.

In November of 2014 the existing funding for both of these programs will be ending. WEAVE is currently working to secure private funding to ensure that both of these important programs will continue. To support the children’s counseling programs, click here.