Children in a domestically abusive home

The Staff at Women and Children's Horizons offers you a listening ear and a non-judgmental concern. We are concerned for you and your children, and want you to remember that if you are ready to leave, escape is not impossible. Thousands of victims have been freed from the violence and threats.

Contact the Support Services Office at 262-652-1846 Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for further information or for an appointment. You can also call our crisis line 24 hours a day at 262-652-9900 or 1-800-853-3503.

WHO ARE THE VICTIMS?

Anyone can be a victim. Victims can be of any age, sex, race, culture, religion, education, employment, or marital status. Both men and women can be abused, however most victims are women. Children in homes where there is domestic violence are more likely to be abused and/or neglected. Most children in these homes know about the violence. Even if a child is not physically harmed, they may have emotional and behavior problems.

Since abuse can happen to anyone, people can have special concerns. Women and Children's Horizons staff want you to know we understand your special concerns. We will listen to you and treat you with respect.

If you are a teen . . .
You could be a victim of abuse, or at risk if you are dating someone who:
Is very jealous and/or spies on you
Will not let you break off the relationship
Hurts you in any way, is violent, or brags about hurting other people.
Puts you down or makes you feel bad.
Forces you to have sex or makes you afraid to say no to sex
Abuses drugs or alcohol; pressures you to use drugs or alcohol
Has a history of bad relationships and blames it on other

It is hard for teens to leave their abuser if they go to the same school. They cannot hide. Gay and lesbian teens are very isolated. They can be afraid they may have to reveal their sexual orientation. If you think you are being abused, think about getting help. If your family or friends warn you about the person you are dating, don't immediately discard it. Tell friends, family members or anyone you can trust. Call Women and Children's Horizons. There is help for you. You do not need to suffer in silence.

If you are a child in a violent home . . .

• Most children in these homes know about the violence. Parents may think children do not know of the violence, but most of the time they do. Children often know what happened.
• Children can feel helpless, afraid, and upset.
• Children feel very isolated - there is an unspoken rule of don't talk
• Children may also feel the violence is their fault.
• Violence in the home is dangerous for children. Children live with scary noises, yelling, and hitting. They are afraid for their parents and themselves.
• Children feel bad they cannot stop the abuse.
• If they try to stop the fight, they could be hurt. They can also be hurt by objects thrown, or weapons used.
• Children are harmed by seeing and hearing the violence.
• Children in violent homes may not get the care or attention they need. A parent who is being abused may be in too much pain to give the care and attention.
• Children may have problems in sleeping, in school, and getting along with others.
• Children may be afraid and sad all the time.

These problems do not go away on their own. They can be there even as the child becomes older. There is help for children in violent homes. Call Women and Children's Horizons at 262.652.9900 or 800.853.3503 24 hours a day.

Women and Children's Horizons offers a free Safe Exchange Program for parents and children. For more information click on the link below