You may not be the only one in your household needing to heal. Many abuse survivors have children who have witnessed or experienced violence and feel confused, scared, or helpless as a result. Of the five million children witnessing domestic abuse each year in the U.S., many struggle later with significant psychological problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, learning difficulties, and problems with attention and memory.
Children who experience or witness domestic abuse are also three times more likely to repeat this violent cycle in adulthood. HAWC’s services aim to help domestic abuse survivors feel empowered and capable of protecting their children from these harmful effects of abuse, in addition to providing children the opportunity to grow and play during every step of the healing process.
In partnership with North Shore Medical Center, HAWC’s Parent-Child Trauma Recovery Program builds trust between children of domestic abuse and their non-offending parent. For 12-14 weeks, trauma-informed care, evidence-based therapy, and HAWC’s emphasis on empowerment come together to reduce trauma symptoms in children and improve parent-child relationships at this pivotal time of healing. HAWC also offers discussion and support groups to guide children and their parents on their healing journey.
To create an environment that can reintroduce kids who have witnessed or experienced trauma to the joys of childhood, HAWC also works to connect families with daycare services so that clients can be confident that their children are in safe and nurturing hands when they are seeking employment, beginning a new job, or working overtime to gain financial independence. In addition to this daycare voucher program, HAWC provides financial support to clients looking to reintegrate their children into the greater community through activities such as ballet, summer camp, and little league.
If you are interested in any of these services, please call HAWC’s 24-Hour Hotline (1-800-547-1649) at any time of the day or night to set up an appointment with a HAWC advocate. From there, if appropriate, you will be referred to one of these programs.
HAWC’s services for children are funded in part by:
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Marigold Charitable Trust
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Edward & Winifred Moseley Foundation
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First Church in Wenham
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Thomas Anthony Pappas Charitable Foundation
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City of Salem Community Development Block Grant
HAWC is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. HAWC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, status as a veteran or member of the military, or any other characteristic protected by Massachusetts or Federal laws.
Reference
- (February 21, 2014). 10 Startling Statistics about Children of Domestic Violence.Childhood Domestic Violence Association. Retrieved from
https://cdv.org/2014/02/10-startling-domestic-violence-statistics-for-children/