For Families

Autobiography of My Dead Brother

Myers, W.D., 2005, New York: HarperCollins Publishers
Fifteen year-old Jesse uses his sketchbook to make sense of the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and loss in a neighborhood plagued by drive-bys, vicious gangs, and abusive cops.

Children and Domestic Violence Resources

Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada

Children and Teenagers Testifying in Domestic Violence Cases
Cunningham, A. and Hurley, P., 2007
 
In this handbook, the authors focus on children who are potential witnesses in domestic violence cases. Topics include information on how domestic violence is understood by children, an overview of the concept of domestic violence court, FAQs, questions children may ask, and suggestions on how to support complainant parents.
Children and Violence
National Institute of Mental Health
Ending Violence (DVD)
Break the Cycle, 2009
Facts About Teen Dating Violence
Office of Violence Against Women, 2009
In this research brief, the authors provide definitions, facts and available legal protections regarding physical, sexual and emotional abuse among teens in intimate or romantic relationships.
Factsheet: Children's Mental Health Resource List

Mental Health America

Hands On Approaches to Help Children Heal from Traumatic Events

L. Diamond-Raab, P. T. Joshi, S. M. Lewin, S. G. Shambaugh, 2007

Healing the Invisible Wounds: Children's Exposure to Violence-A Guide for Families

Safe Start Center, 2009. North Bethesda, MD.

 

Do you suspect a child you know has witnessed or experienced violence? Maybe you think a child you know has witnessed or been hurt by violence. Or maybe you think something's wrong with the child, but you don't know what. It can be hard to tell what's wrong. There may not be clear physical signs such as bruises and cuts. Children often suffer from "invisible wounds" that affect them emotionally and psychologically. Download PDF or order print copies at http://cart.safestartcenter.org.

Healing the Invisible Wounds: Children's Exposure to Violence-Quick Reference Guide

Safe Start Center, 2009. 

 

This quick reference card is designed to accompany the Guide for Families. It provides an overview of common signs and symptoms of exposure to violence at different stages of children's development, as well as strategies for parents or caregivers to help children heal. Side two of the card provides a list of hot lines and information resources for parents and caregivers. Order free print copies at http://cart.safestartcenter.org

Helping Children Thrive: Information for Mothers Who Have Left Abusive Relationships
L. Baker and A. Cunningham, 2004
Canadian Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada
In this pamphlet, the authors provide ten tips for parenting children exposed to domestic violence and a list of ways an abusive partner can affect a woman as a mother. The pamphlet is available in English, French, Portuguese and Japanese.
Learning to Listen, Learning to Help: Understanding Woman Abuse and its Effects on Children

Baker, L. and Cunningham, A., 2005

The authors of this paper, published by the Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada, provide an introduction to the topic for families and professionals. Topics include the dynamics of abuse against women, the concept of power and control, incidence statistics, finding appropriate resources, how children are affected by violence at home and how they cope, how to respond to child disclosure, standards of professional conduct, reviewing providers' attitudes, and how to make a difference to end violence. 
Little Eyes, Little Ears: How Violence Against a Mother Shapes Children as they Grow

Cunningham, A., and Baker, L., 2007

In this booklet, published by the Center for Children and Families in the Justice System, Ontario, Canada, the authors explain how children experience violence against their mothers and how those experiences may affect their development from infancy to adolescence. Contents include ten ways a child can be changed by living with violence at home, and some myths about abuse against woman and children.

Little Listeners in an Uncertain World: Coping Strategies for You and Your Child During Deployment and When a Crisis Occurs

Zero to Three (Parenting Resources), 2003

Parent's Guide to Teen Dating Violence: 10 Questions to Start the Conversation

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline and Liz Claiborne, Inc., 2008

Parenting Infants and Toddlers Today

Zero to Three, 2010

In 2009, the authors surveyed 1,615 parents of children birth to three about childrearing practices and gaps in services and supports. Key findings include parents' overestimation of infants and toddlers' emotional control, reliance on grandparents, importance of clergy, and need for outreach to fathers.
Recognizing Teen Dating Abuse (online tip sheet)

Family Violence Prevention Fund

Rules of Survival

Nancy Werlin, 2006. New York: Penguin Books; www.us.penguingroup.com.
Seventeen-year-old Matthew recounts his attempts to free himself and his sisters from their abusive mother with the help of an adult friend.

Teen Action Toolkit: Building a Youth-led Response to Teen Victimization

National Center for Victims of Crime, 2007

The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along

Naomi Drew, 2004. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing; www.freespirit.com.
This book describes the reasons behind common kinds of conflicts and offers a plan for finding positive ways to behave in difficult circumstances. Includes tips for countering bullying, letting go of anger, and eliminating hurtful language.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Child Witness to Violence Project

Tough Talk-What Boys Need to Know About Relationship Abuse

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline and Liz Claiborne, Inc., 2008

Understanding Child Traumatic Stress

National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health

What is Child Traumatic Stress?

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

What You Need to Know About Dating Violence: A Teen's Handbook

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline and Liz Claiborne, Inc., 2008

When Dad Hurts Mom: Helping Your Children Heal the Wounds of Witnessing Abuse

L. Bancroft, 2005

When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide

Cox, H., Boburka, M., Nick, C., Ryce, C., Ryce, D., Sessions, P., Wetterling, P., 2004

 
The authors of this guide are parents and family members whose children have been abducted. Topics include the role of parents, law enforcement, and volunteers, the long-term search, use of the media and volunteers, and caring for parents, other children, and members of the extended family.