Children's Programs

Individual Counseling

Children and adolescents who have witnessed or experienced abuse, family violence, or sexual assault can receive counseling services from a trained professional with permission from a legal guardian if under 15 years of age.

Child Therapy - ages 4-12

Play therapy- a therapeutic process that focuses on children’s emotional expression through the use of play and toys

Adolescent Therapy - ages 13-17

Various therapeutic techniques are used to process:

• sexual assault/abuse
• anger management
• behavioral problems

Outreach Presentations

Education-based prevention presentations are available to any school, community, or professional group. Presentations are designed to educate the public on topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault in order to promote prevention and provide education and resources for these situations that affect children’s lives.
Topics include:

• Dating Violence
• Healthy Relationships
• Sexual Harassment
• Sexual Assault Prevention
• Personal Safety
• Conflict Resolution
• Anger Management
• Domestic Violence

Children’s Services in Crisis Situations

Children Advocates are available 24 hours a day to support children who experience or witness a violent crime. Advocates are trained to keep the safety and well-being of the child in mind in domestic violence and sexual assault crisis situations.

Why is all this important?

• In homes where there is domestic violence, child abuse is 15 times more likely to occur than in non-violent homes.
• Studies estimate that the number of children at risk for exposure to family violence is about 3.3 million.
• Children who witness battering of their mothers display the same symptoms, including post traumatic stress, as children who are actually abused.
• Children who are abused or witness abuse may exhibit behavioral and emotional disturbances that range from withdrawal, low self-esteem, nightmares, self-blame, aggression against peers and family members, and property destruction.
• A history of family violence or abuse is the most significant difference between delinquent and non-delinquent youth.