Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.
Children who experience childhood trauma, including witnessing incidents of domestic violence, are at a greater risk of having serious adult health problems, including tobacco use, substance abuse, obesity, cancer, heart disease, depression, and a higher risk for unintended pregnancy. This type of experience with trauma is commonly referred to as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE).
Learn more about how traumatic experiences can affect children and how everyone can help support children through these experiences.
Safety plan with your child.
Identify a list of trusted adults who can help:
- Neighbors
- Friends
- Family members
- Teachers
- Coaches
Familiarize children with basic information:
- Make sure children know important phone numbers including their own phone number.
- Help children memorize their home address.
- Discuss techniques to stay safe.
- Go to their bedroom.
- Teach your children an escape route out of the house and where to go for safety (neighbor, etc.).
- Develop a signal (closing the blinds or flashing the porch light) or a code word for “help” or to let someone know “I’m scared.”
- Make your child’s school or daycare provider aware if your Protection From Abuse Order includes temporary custody.
- Dial 911 if help is needed right now.
