Through Their Eyes: Domestic Violence and It's Impact on Children

<strong>Through</strong> <strong>Their</strong> <strong>Eyes</strong>
excuse for violence
in a relationship.
• Let the victim know
that non-judgmental
<strong>and</strong> confidential
help is available.
Help the victim
find resources that
can assist her.
Some good starting
points are listed in
Chapter 5.
• Offer to keep copies
of paperwork
such as social
security cards, birth
certificates, or bank
information. 16
wants to be a police officer when he
grows up.
Jacob, the 9-year-old boy whose
father threatened him with a gun,
had similar results after completing
the program <strong>and</strong> participating in
ongoing play therapy. He began to
overcome his separation anxiety, <strong>and</strong>
was eventually able to attend summer
camp. He had a great time, <strong>and</strong> can’t
wait to go back. For the first time
in his life, he was able to engage in
what Rogers calls “normal little boy
behaviors.”
Yim, the little girl who was tormented
by neighborhood kids, met a
karate instructor who lived in her
neighborhood through the Children’s
<strong>Domestic</strong> <strong>Violence</strong> Program, <strong>and</strong>
began taking classes in self-defense.
The instructor, who happened to live
nearby, began looking out for her <strong>and</strong>
intervening when the neighborhood
kids treated her disrespectfully. Within
six months, Yim was no longer hiding.
She now walks with confidence
through the neighborhood <strong>and</strong>
chooses friends that treat her with
respect.
19