Counselling
Counselling
Children and Youth
Children & Youth Counselling
Individual and group counselling for children 3-18 years of age, exposed to intense family conflict and/or abuse.
(Funded by Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General).
Program Purpose:
- To support children and youth, to help them navigate trauma and learn new coping skills
- To promote attitude and behavior change in ways that will help the child or youth feel safe, and better able to succeed socially and academically
PEACE Program Goals:
- To directly help children and youth exposed to violence in relationships.
- To provide a safe and playful setting for children and youth 3-18, within which to discuss their trauma and learn to manage their response to their exposure to domestic violence
- To develop parental awareness of how domestic violence affects their children.
- To interrupt, break the cycle of violence.
Over 500,000 Canadian homes live with domestic violence
Children are present during 80% of spousal assault cases
Violent behavior is learned. 40-60% of assaultive men have witnessed abuse themselves.
One in four spousal assault incidences involve children being hurt or threatened.
Children exposed to domestic violence are at a high risk to develop serious emotional and behavioral problems.
How You Can Help to End Violence:
Buy a t-shirt, especially designed for the children and youth counselling program. 100% of proceeds from each t-shirt provides one hour of direct service. Available at Desert Sun in Oliver for $25.00, for more information call 250-498-2538.
Signs of Possible Issues arising for in Children Exposed to Abuse:
Infants:
- Listlessness
- Disruption in eating and sleeping routines
Toddlers:
- Aggressive acts
- Clinging
- Anxiety
- Cruelty to animals
- Destruction of property
School-aged children:
- Bullying
- General aggression
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal
- Oppositional behavior
- Destruction of property
- Poor school achievement
- Disrespect for females
Adolescence 12-18 years old:
- Dating violence
- Bullying
- Poor self-esteem
- Talks or attempts of suicide
- School problems (e.g. sudden decline in achievement or attendance.)
- Alcohol/drug use
- Running away from home
If your child has been exposed to abuse and is displaying any of the above behaviors, he/she might benefit from attending the child and youth counseling program to:
- Express feelings in a healthy way. Understand they are not responsible for the violence
- Develop a safety plan
- Identify support networks
- Identify cycles of violence
- Recognize their strengths and increase their self confidence
- Learn about healthy relationships
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For more info please email admin@desertsun.ca
