Children and Youth Who Witness Abuse

 

Group and individual counselling for children and youth (3-18) who have been exposed to violence in their homes.

 

 

What is the Children and Youth Who Witness Abuse Program?

CWWA is an intervention/prevention program created by the BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses to address the needs of children and youth aged 3 to 18 who have been exposed to violence at home.

 

 

We recognize that to effectively support youth and children who have witnessed abuse, we must also support the family. Individual support is offered and strongly recommended for parents and caregivers whose children are enrolled in the CWWA program.

Children are the best hope for ending the inter-generational cycle of abuse. Children who have experienced violence deserve the opportunity to heal and to learn positive and respectful ways of relating to themselves and others. At Haven Society, we offer children a place to be believed and heard – we support them to express feeling they may never have expressed before.

 

 

Why Youth and Children Who Witness Abuse Program?

 

The goal of the Children Who Witness Abuse Program is to interrupt/break the cycle of inter-generational abuse by:

·        Supporting children exposed to violence in relationships

·        Addressing their emotional and psychological needs

·        Developing parental awareness of how domestic violence affects their children

·        Working with parents and caregivers to improve skills in parenting and supporting the unique needs of their children

·        Raising community awareness through violence prevention education

 

 

CWWA Service Available

·        Individual support and group counselling for children, youth, and caregivers

·        School based groups and education activities designed to prevent violence

·        Presentations to the community on the effects of exposure to domestic violence

 

 

The CWWA Program Helps Children and Youth to:

·        Express feelings in a healthy way

·        Understand that they are not responsible for the violence

·        Learn that they are not alone – other children have experienced similar situations

·        Develop a safety plan

·        Identify support networks

·        Recognize strengths and increase self-confidence

·        Identify cycles of violence

·        Explore myths about violence and violence in the media

·        Improve social skills and school performance

·        Develop strong conflict resolution skills