Children's Services
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
CHILDREN'S SERVICES OVERVIEW
They are often referred to as the silent victim of domestic violence. The children huddled in closets, at the top of the stairs, or cowering behind the couch listening as the verbal and physical abuse occurs. In America approximately 3 million children witness domestic violence in their home. These small and quiet victims have often been forgotten but they are a very important part of the solution to ending domestic violence in the future.
If you are interested in your child receiving services from WRC please call and speak to a Case Manager.
CHILDREN'S COUNSELING PROGRAM
Children who have witnessed violence will react in many different ways. A large number of children report feeling guilt for causing the fights or not being able to protect the parent during the violence. This guilt can show itself in anxiety, depression, or even anger towards others. Older children may begin to self-harm or use alcohol and drugs to cope with their feelings. It is just as important to provide counseling and avenues of healing for the children as it the adults. WRC provides counseling services for children who have witnessed domestic violence in their home once they have reached the age of 5. WRC’s counseling will focus on the following areas:
- Helping the child understand what domestic violence is in general and identifying what it looked like in their parent’s relationship.
- Decreasing any acting out or violent behavior and strategies to control their anger.
- Reducing their feelings of guilt and responsibility for their parent’s situation.
- Rebuilding trust in adults and learning how to have healthy relationships.
“The single best predictor of children becoming either perpetrators or victims of domestic violence later in life is whether or not they grow up in a home where there is domestic violence”
– UNICEF
CHILDREN'S SERVICE COORDINATOR
In addition to counseling, WRC has a Children’s Services Coordinator who works with the counselors, residential staff, and outside groups giving their time to create fun activities or presentations for the children in our programs. Some of the activities include decorating for the holidays and hosting a party, reading to a therapy dog, creating art, and even a visit from the San Diego Zoo Animal Ambassador program. If you are interested in volunteering as a group or individual to provide opportunities to the children please fill out a form and contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
FRIENDS OF WRC
The Friends of WRC is an auxiliary group that was created to give the children in our program the joys of childhood.