Children's Survival
The aim of this program is to develop
self-empowerment/self-esteem within the child by obtaining strategies to
keep themselves safe, to gain knowledge about their rights, learn new
skills to break the cycle of violence and provide a safe environment for
the child to validate and reframe the violence they may have experienced
or witnessed.
The support process will vary according to the
child's age, identified support needs and current living situation.
It is important to recognise the wide range of
effects on children exposed to domestic violence. These effects
depend on the child's developmental stage, length of exposure to abuse and
whether the exposure was direct or witnessed.
Effective case management must incorporate:-
- Listening to and acknowledging the experiences
of the child.
- Belief in their disclosures
- Realisation that they are no longer alone and
they do not have to carry the responsibility of what has happened
- That is is not their fault.
- Identification, discussion and constructive
expression of feelings such as anger, fear and guilt.
- Presentation of alternative role models and
problem solving techniques
- Recognition of their rights and
responsibilities
- Development of a healthy self-esteem
- Grieving our losses that result from leaving
home, pets, friends, school and any positive part of their
relationship with their father.
- Development of positive images of men and
women.
- Protective behaviour strategies.
Effective provision of this program must
incorporate imagination and the active involvement of the child.
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