|
Children and Youth 
| | WCS~DdM has developed its Children & Youth Program with the goal of preventing violence at its root, by addressing issues of domestic violence and sexual assault with children and youth, increasing their knowledge about the cycle and dynamics of violence, giving children and youth the opportunity to unlearn attitudes and behaviors that could otherwise cause them to perpetuate the cycle of violence in their adult relationships. Individual Counseling Individual counseling sessions are conducted in order to help children and teens understand that domestic violence is not their fault and to teach them alternative coping skills. Please call 831-722-4532 to arrange an appointment. |
Children’s Support Groups and Teen Support Groups Children, Youth (ages 3-12) and Teen (13-18) support groups are offered concurrently with client support groups. Childcare is provided for children ages 0-3. Santa Cruz, Spanish: Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:30, English: Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:30
Watsonville, Spanish: Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:00 The Children's and Teen Support Groups focus on promoting healthy living environments and reinforcing non-violent behavior. The Children's Support activities focus on communication, culture, socialization, independence skills, alternatives to violence, sexual assault prevention and anger management. The Teen Support group validates teens' experiences and provides emotional support with activities focusing on abusive dating relationships, violence and sexual assault prevention, peer pressure, communication and alternatives to violence.
|
|
Living with domestic violence can take a lasting toll on children. Nationwide, it is estimated that between 3.3 and 10 million children are at risk of witnessing domestic violence each year. Some studies estimate that children who witness domestic violence are 10 times more likely to batter or be battered than children who do not witness violence in the home.
|
