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Role models- Children growing up in violent homes are not taught to use violence to solve problems. A role-model can teach the child how to non-violently and effectively resolve problems. They can also teach the child how to make better choices in their life. |
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Family Support- Close family members such as brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., can be available for the child living in a violent home to talk to. They can help the child receive the help that he/she needs in order to stay safe. |
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Community Support- Programs throughout the community can teach the child living in a violent home the skills they need to be non-violent and helps to build their self-esteem. |
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Individual Therapy- This type of therapy can help the child to build self-esteem, teach the child how to trust again and how to express his/her emotions in a healthy way. |
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Group Therapy and Self-Help Groups- This type of therapy enables the child to talk with others who are experiencing the same situations that they are. The group is able to support and encourage each other. |
How
you can help children living in violent homes:
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Set clear limits- Let the child know what he/she can and can not do. Be consistent in rewarding as well as discipline.
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Be honest- Make sure to tell the child what you can and can not do to help them. Also, let them know what is happening and what is going to happen. Do not make promises that you can not keep.
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Help reduce stress- Allow the child to have time to be by themselves participating in a quiet activity. This may include soft music and other relaxation techniques. Make sure that the child is in a calm and safe environment at this time.
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Encourage play- Providing time for the child to play and encouraging this play can help the child to break out of their isolation. The child will be able to make friends and gain a peer support group.
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Promote healthy self-expression- It is important for the child to be able to express him/herself. Some healthy ways for the child to express him/herself are through talking, writing, drawing, or music.
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Build self-esteem- Help the child know that he/she is worth something. Let them know that they are worthy of being loved and treated respectfully. Also, help the child to make good choices. This will help the child to feel good about him/herself.
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Promote non-violence- In a violent home, a child will learn to use violence as a way of dealing with their problems. It is important to teach them that this is not a healthy or effective way of dealing with things.
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Teach conflict resolution skills- Teach the child the importance of calming down before a large confrontation occurs. Work on coming up with more effective and healthier solutions to problems. Let the child know that it is okay for them to get help if they need it.
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Teach personal safety rules- Help them to know what to do and where to go in a situation where they or someone else may be in danger. Help them to learn escape routes and phone numbers.
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Encourage support - Provide the child with information to help them establish a support network, including the Youth Support Group at Advocates for Family Peace
Help
Stop the Cycle of Domestic Violence!
If you have questions or just need someone
to talk to, call Advocates for Family Peace
at 326-0388 or
1-800-909-8336.