Domestic violence is the product of a controlling partner - someone who wants power and control in the relationship and resorts to emotional, economic, sexual or physical abuse to get it.  

In many cases, a person who abuses believes that violence is an alternative to discipline.  Discipline does not include using different forms of violence. 

You have a right to be safe.  No one deserves to be abused.

Children of all ages are affected by domestic violence/abuse 

★      Infants and toddlers may be angry and upset, or quiet and withdrawn. They may go back to younger behaviors, have trouble sleeping or a fear of being alone, have toileting accidents, or stop talking.

★      School-aged children who are exposed to violence or fighting may have difficulty sleeping, or doing schoolwork.  They may not pay attention, and may worry over and over about the event or fighting.

★      As children who are exposed to violence become older they often experience emotional, sexual and behavioral problems.  They may commit crimes and can become perpetrators of violence themselves.

What you can do to help your child 

★      Call AWARE and talk about choices you can make as a parent that might increase your child’s safety.

★      Call the Office of Children’s Services to discuss concerns about emotional, physical, sexual abuse or neglect of children.

★      Help your child feel protected and loved by listening to their needs and concerns and taking them seriously.  Remove your child from emotionally, physically, or sexually violent individuals or situations. 

Contact Numbers

AWARE:  586-6623 / 24-hour Crisis Hotline  1-800-478-1090

AWARE can provide safe shelter and supportive services for women and children who have been subjected to domestic or sexual violence.

Office of Children’s Services:  465-1650

With a mission to protect children, OCS works with families to find solutions and link families to other community services.

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