Children can participate and learn some strategies to stay safe during violent episodes in their homes. The goal is for them to seek safety and to know where and how to get help. It is not their role to stop the violence. Before engaging in a conversation with your child, remember to consider what are the best age-appropriate actions they can take. Children are more likely to follow through with a plan when they have been part of creating it themselves.
These puppet shows were developed by the Spokane County (Washington State) Domestic Violence Consortium Education Committee. These can be adapted to be sensitive to the different cultures where used.
This article first appeared in the January/February 2004 edition of Church & Society (volume 94, Number3)
Chart and explanation of the ways children cope with family violence
This Commitment to Share Good News Statement of Intention is for your session or group to complete and submit to participate in the Commitment to Share Good News program.
Effect on children living in violent households
It is through our faith and our commitment to Jesus Christ that we continue to work for justice. It is through our faith communities that we work and struggle together. This is a positive message we have to offer our brothers and sisters working against violence.
A sermon by the Rev. Dr. Patricia Ramsden