Children's Services
“Here they listen to me and I don’t have to keep what happened a secret.” 		Children

Many children are impacted by woman abuse and family violence, whether or not they actually see any physical abuse take place.

Children:
  • may hear swearing, threats, degrading language, screams and pleading, fists hitting flesh, breaking glass.
  • can also witness the consequences of violence after it has occurred such as bruises, torn clothes, broken furniture, holes in the wall.
  • can sense the tension at home and in their family.
Children impacted by family violence are also victims. They may experience:
  • feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt and responsibility for the violence.
  • nightmares and difficulty sleeping.
  • trouble concentrating at school, slipping grades.
  • angry outbursts.
  • depression and self harming.
  • separation anxiety.
  • withdrawal.
  • regressive behaviour.
Help children exposed to family violence by:
  • reassuring them it's not their fault.
  • acknowledging their feelings and fears without criticism.
  • developing a Safety Plan with them.
  • giving them the phone number of the Kids Help Phone
    1-800-668-6868 (http://org.kidshelpphone.ca/en/).
  • teaching them how and when to call 911.
Children need a safe place to deal with the effects of witnessing violence in their family.

Emergency Shelter – Children’s Programs

Children and youth who come to the shelter with their moms have the support of a Parent & Child Counsellor and a Child Care Worker to help them cope with their family's situation.

Age appropriate discussions, groups, activities and play are designed to help children and youth:
  • feel safe to talk about their experiences.
  • understand who is responsible for the abuse in their family.
  • identify, express and deal with their feelings.
  • develop their own personal safety plan.
  • enhance a positive self-image.
  • develop positive attitudes about relationships.
  • relax in an atmosphere of safety and trust.
  • have fun together with their mom, their siblings and other families in the shelter.
Counselling – Children’s Programs

Family Transition Place works with schools and other community agencies in delivering programs specifically for children exposed to family violence. Parenting programs are also available to help abused women support their children.