Children Who Witness
We offer groups for children with a concurrent mother’s group known as My Circle of Friends.
The goals of the program are:
- to help the children heal from the trauma of witnessing violence
- to provide an environment in which children can process their thoughts and feelings
- to allow the children to learn new ways of behaving.
My Circle of Friends consists of eight weekly group sessions. Themes covered in groups include:
- Identifying and expressing feelings
- Constructive expression of anger
- Understanding what abuse is
- Myths regarding violence against women
- Personal safety and safety plans
- Conflict Resolution
- Self esteem
- Boundaries/Safe Touch
Mothers of the children attending the Children Who Witness group have the option of attending the concurrent group for mothers. Topics include the children’s experiences of woman abuse; parenting; custody and access; and safety planning. In offering a support group for mothers, an opportunity is provided for mothers through education to further support their children in the healing process.