Each year, up to 10 million American children witness domestic violence. It leaves a lasting impact on them. The danger of witnessing domestic violence becomes apparent when you look at the statistics. Sixty percent of teenagers in juvenile detention grew up with domestic violence. One-third of all teenage boys and half of all teenage girls who abuse drugs have been involved in physical or sexual abuse.

As they grow up, they may follow the patterns they observed in childhood and are at-risk to become abusers themselves as adults. LCS’ Domestic Violence Family Services works with children to change that.

Serving the Tacoma/Pierce County, Washington, area, Domestic Violence Family Services works with children and families to reduce the social and psychological damage from domestic violence. It provides supportive counseling and educational services in domestic violence shelters, schools, and congregations, as well as for individual families. Key community partners in this effort are the Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline and the YWCA of Tacoma-Pierce County.

Counseling makes a difference!
Through specialized individual and group counseling, children learn that there are positive ways to handle their emotions. In other words, they learn that violence is not a necessary part of their lives.

Children learn:
	to understand domestic violence and know that they are not responsible for it.
	to properly identify and express feelings, especially anger and grief.
	to improve personal communication and problem-solving skills.
Parents learn:
	to use new parenting skills.
	to develop social support.
	to provide a safety plan.
Families learn:
	to enjoy a safe and healthy life.