1 

Healing the Invisible Wounds:

Children’s Exposure to Violence

A Guide for Families

“Something’s Wrong With This Child. I’m Not Sure What It Is.”

Put yourself in the shoes of a child.

•	 Darla’s parents fight every day. She sees her dad hit her mom sometimes. Darla’s mom cries all the time.

•	 On his way to elementary school with his younger brother, Tony passes a gang of big kids. Sometimes, they say 

they’ll hurt him. Sometimes, they fight with each other. Once, he saw an older boy holding a gun.

•	 Sarah sees police breaking up a fight between two groups of teenagers while walking home from preschool. She 

hears shouting and sees blood on the leg of one boy.

All three children are terrified. They worry about themselves and their loved ones—whether they are the victims or 

have seen or heard the violence. But each child is different and reacts in different ways.

Darla acts “normal.” She does well in school. She plays with her friends as if nothing happened—but she never 

invites them to her house.

Tony pushes his food away. He has nightmares and cries all the time.

Sarah picks on younger kids at school. She pulled the head off her sister’s doll.

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.

And as the examples you just read show, the signs of a child’s exposure to violence are as varied as children’s 

personalities. Some children hide their problems well. Others act out when something is bothering them. 

In fact, two siblings who witness the same act of violence may react in completely different ways. And children 

may have different reactions at different times.

“Why Is She Acting So Different?”

Children’s reactions to frightening situations depend on a 

number of things.

These include:

•	 what happened

•	 their age

•	 their thoughts or feelings about what may happen next

•	 how close they are to the violence

•	 how prolonged their exposure to violence was

•	 their relationship with the victim and the perpetrator of violence
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When children think they are in danger—or that someone they care about is in danger—they may become sad, 

angry, or afraid.

Or they may “pretend” the whole thing didn’t happen.

Or they may do both, at different times or in front of different people.

Sometimes, children’s reactions don’t surface until long after the violence occurred. And 

sometimes, the reaction is something that seems completely unrelated to the violence. 

Children may:

•	 have trouble with schoolwork

•	 have trouble making friends

•	 smoke

•	 use drugs

•	 develop stomachaches, headaches, or other physical ailments

Even if children seem to have gotten better over time, something could trigger them to be 

afraid again. They could even develop completely different symptoms than they had before. 

If a child continues to experience problems after a few weeks or starts having more 

problems, you may want to talk to someone about how to help. 

“What Can I Do To Make Her Feel Better?”

You don’t have to feel helpless. There are things you can do for the child you’re worried 

about. 

Most children are resilient. They can get better—but they need your help. 

If you know a child who sees or experiences violence on a regular basis, the most important things you can do 

right away are: 

•	 ensure her immediate safety 

•	 ask for help from a teacher, pastor, pediatrician, or other professional 

•	 help stop the violence in her life

If you think a child is unsafe, call 911.

Next, make the child feel safe. Acknowledge the emotional or physical pain she’s going through. Listen to her. Tell 

her you love her. Tell her it’s OK to be scared sometimes. Tell her you want to help her not feel scared. Help her 

figure out what she’s feeling. 

She might not go back to her old self right away, but you’ve helped her take the first steps to feeling better. (See the 

box on page 3 for tips on talking to children about violence.)

The harm is real. 

Research shows that seeing or experiencing violence is bad for kids. Even when they are not hurt themselves, they 

can see, hear, or imagine what is happening to others. When a child sees someone get hurt and especially when it is 

a caregiver, it makes the child feel unsafe.
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In cases of domestic violence, knowing what to do can help a child feel safer and in control.

If a child feels she is in danger, you can help by rehearsing some things she can do.

Ask her what she thinks she can do to keep herself safe. Help her come up with ideas. Make sure what you 

agree on is something that suits her age. For example, a 3-year-old can’t walk 2 blocks away to a friend’s 

house, but a 10-year-old can. 

Here are some basic things you might suggest:

•	 Leave the place where the violence is happening and go somewhere safe.

•	 Don’t try to stop the violence.

Calmly write down the ideas, and explain that:

•	 They may not always work.

•	 It’s not her fault if the suggestions don’t work.

It is important to review the suggestions periodically, so the child remembers what to do in a crisis. 

How you help a child deal with violence depends on the child’s age.

Stopping the violence and making the child feel safe are general steps that work for children of all ages. The specific 

steps you take to help a child will depend on how old the child is. 

For instance:

•	 Young children may want to be with people they know well.

•	 School-aged children may want to talk about their feelings.

•	 Teenagers may feel more comfortable confiding to their friends about what happened, rather than to adults. 

How old is the child you’re worried about?

For a young child, up to age 6, turn to the section for children ages birth–6 (page 5).

For a school-aged child, turn to the section for children ages 7–11 (page 6).

For a teenager, turn to the section for teenagers ages 12–18 (page 7).

In each section, you’ll learn how to:

•	 understand children’s behavior 

•	 encourage children to express what they’re thinking and feeling

•	 help children feel safe and in control

Remember: Every child is different. The descriptions and strategies included here may not apply to every child. If you 

are the child’s parent or legal guardian, you should talk to your pediatrician in addition to consulting this booklet.

Talking with children about violence can be hard. But it’s often the best way to help.

Adults avoid talking to children about violence for many reasons. Have you thought any of the things below? 

If you have, you aren’t alone. 

•	 I don’t know what to say. 

•	 I’ve tried to talk about it, but she won’t listen. 

•	 I feel uncomfortable. 

•	 I’m scared to bring it up. continued on next page
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•	 I’m embarrassed. 

•	 It might make things worse. 

•	 It’s not a big deal. 

•	 It’s over now. Why talk about it?

It’s OK to have these thoughts. But don’t let them stop you from talking to a child who may have seen or been 

hurt by violence. Talking is the first step toward healing. Sure, you may not know exactly what to say. You may 

feel uncomfortable. But you can do your best. 

Here are some ways to get started:

•	 Take a deep breath. Talking about violence is tough. 

•	 Try to get more comfortable by talking to someone you trust first. That person can help you plan what you 

want to say to the child. 

•	 If you were hurt by the same violence the child saw or experienced, tell yourself that it’s OK to feel upset when 

you remember what happened. It’s scary for the child, too. Once you start talking, you may feel better. 

•	 Begin with an opening question, asking the child what she thinks happened and how she feels about it.

•	 Don’t assume you know what the child experienced, even if you were there when the violence happened. 

Children often perceive violence very differently than grownups do. Don’t try to correct the child. Listen.

•	 Be patient. Don’t push it if it seems as if the child doesn’t want to talk or listen. You can try again later.

You’ll find more age-specific tips on how to talk to children about violence later in this booklet.

Sometimes, a child needs more help than you can give.

A child may be so upset by what has happened or what she has seen that nothing you can do will help. In those 

situations, you should find a trained professional. A psychologist, social worker, or a school counselor can help the 

child talk about what happened. The professional can also help you find the actions or words to help very young 

children who are not able to talk about their experiences. 

Seeing a mental health professional is a good idea when a child does one or more of the following for longer than 

1 month:

•	 has frequent nightmares or trouble sleeping 

•	 withdraws and doesn’t want to play with other children

•	 has angry outbursts

•	 has nausea, headaches, or other physical illnesses 

•	 loses or gains weight

•	 has problems at school

•	 feels intensely anxious

•	 avoids people, places, or things that remind him of the event

•	 seems depressed or hopeless

•	 gets involved with alcohol and other drugs

•	 gets in trouble with the law or takes dangerous risks

•	 constantly worries about what happened

Getting professional help will keep the child’s problems and worries from getting worse—although the symptoms 

may not disappear immediately. If you believe a child needs professional help, talk to a trusted adult, such as the 

child’s pediatrician, teacher, school counselor, spiritual leader, or coach, about finding an appropriate mental 

health professional.
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For a variety of reasons, many people are reluctant to seek help for mental health problems. But not getting 

professional help for a child who needs it could hamper her normal growth and development. Protecting her 

mental health is as important as caring for her physical health. Getting help early can help her cope better and 

prevent additional problems. 

Young Children, Ages Birth–6

It can be hard to know what’s bothering a very young child. Even children in this age group who know how to 

speak may not be able to express what’s wrong.

Young children who have seen or been hurt by violence may:

•	 cry more than usual

•	 be difficult to calm

•	 change eating habits

•	 change sleeping patterns (have difficulty falling asleep; wake up several 

times during the night)

•	 scream and panic during sleep—but appear awake be quieter or less 

responsive than usual

•	 startle more easily 

•	 become more fearful

•	 have trouble separating from Mom or Dad or another caregiver

•	 have more temper tantrums

•	 have bad dreams

•	 complain of headaches or stomachaches 

•	 repeatedly hit, grab, or shove other children while playing 

•	 ask many questions about the event

•	 go back to behaviors they’ve already outgrown (for instance, a 5- or 6-year-old might wet the bed, suck his 

thumb, or talk like a baby)

Don’t get hung up on ticking things off the list above. Look for changes in a child’s behavior. Is he acting differently? 

What if a child is too young to tell you what’s wrong? Try to understand his feelings from his behavior. For example, 

when a child is clingy, it might be because he’s afraid of being alone or worried that something bad may happen to you.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s normal and what’s not. For example, preschoolers often fight, pinch, or hit each 

other. But if a child does these things more and more often, to the point that he can’t learn or make friends, his 

behavior might point to a bigger problem.

Here are some ways you can help young children express what they’re thinking and feeling:

•	 Provide comfort with a security blanket, a pacifier, or a special toy.

•	 Ask questions that will help them tell you their feelings, for example, “You look scared. Would you like me to 

hold you?” “You look sad. What would help you feel better?”

•	 Use storybooks to help you talk to them about how they’re feeling.

•	 Let them draw pictures showing how they feel or what they know. Ask questions about what’s in the pictures 

or why they used certain colors.

Here are some things you can do to help young children feel safe and in control:

•	 Soothe them by rocking, holding, or singing.

•	 Follow their leads (if a child wants to be picked up, do so).
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•	 Allow children to show fear and provide support by staying close and remaining calm. 

•	 Tell them that what happened is not their fault.

•	 Keep a regular schedule or routine or establish new, consistent routines.

•	 As much as you can, don’t let them watch violent TV shows, read about violence in books or magazines, play 

violent video games, or listen to violent music. 

•	 Don’t leave them alone or with people they don’t know well.

•	 Answer questions without giving more information than needed. You don’t have to explain everything, as you 

would to an adult. For a 4-year-old, for example, it is enough to say, “Sometimes grownups do bad things and 

that can be very scary.” 

•	 With any change or transition, such as when people come to visit, let children know what will happen ahead of time.

•	 Let them make decisions such as picking what clothes to wear, books to read, or games to play.

School-Aged Children, Ages 7–11

School-aged children sometimes feel guilty about violence they witness or experience, particularly if the violence 

occurs at home or against a close friend. They think that if they had done or said something differently, the 

violence would have lessened. They also feel bad about not being able to protect their parent or another loved 

one. Some children are more sensitive to home or community violence than others. Some things that can increase 

the impact of violence on a child in this age group include: 

•	 direct involvement in the violence 

•	 exposure to violence for a long time 

•	 the child or a family member has had mental illness or behavior problems

•	 ongoing stress such as starting a new school, having family financial difficulties, or not having friends

If school-aged children see or are hurt by violence, they may:

•	 feel responsible for or guilty about the event

•	 suddenly want to be left alone

•	 seem more sad than usual

•	 become very active or hyper

•	 become more aggressive or fight a lot

•	 seem “spacey” or distracted 

•	 become startled by loud noises

•	 return to old fears or develop new ones

•	 not want to go to sleep

•	 have nightmares

•	 eat more or less than before

•	 get in trouble more often at home or in school

•	 have trouble concentrating

•	 complain of headaches or stomachaches

Again, don’t get hung up on ticking things off the list. Look for “unspoken” signs that something is wrong. Have the 

child’s behavior, appetite, or sleep patterns changed? Does she seem anxious or upset?

A child’s symptoms can become worse when she moves to a new home or school. The problems may also worsen 

when one of her parents dies, leaves, or is taken away from home. 
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Here are some ways you can help school-aged children express what they’re thinking and 

feeling:

•	 Listen without judging.

•	 Respond calmly, without becoming anxious or angry. For instance, you might say, “I’m so sorry you had to see 

me get hurt. I had no idea you were so sad about it. It must have been very hard for you.”

•	 Help them identify feelings. For instance, you might say, “What happened today in front of your school seemed 

pretty scary to me. How did it make you feel?” 

•	 If you don’t know the answer to a tough question, admit it. Then help children find the correct information and 

talk about it.

•	 Write down children’s specific worries and talk about each one.

•	 Encourage children, when they’re ready, to write or draw their thoughts and feelings in a journal.

Here are some things you can do to help school-aged children feel safe and in control:

•	 Tell them that what happened is not their fault.

•	 Help them find a safe place they can go when they feel overwhelmed (a cozy reading corner, a quiet place to 

listen to music).

•	 Make a plan for how they can respond to “triggers” (loud voices, sounds, or actions that remind them of the 

scary events). They might plan to listen to music or take a walk.

•	 Enroll them in a mentoring or out-of-school program where they feel safe.

•	 Be careful about what you say in front of them. Don’t make hateful or angry comments. 

•	 Respond to their questions clearly and appropriately for their age. For example, talk about concrete things their 

school is doing for safety, such as not letting strangers in the building. 

•	 Let them make decisions such as where to do homework, what books to read for pleasure, and what activities to do. 

•	 Model or teach conflict resolution skills such as listening to the other person’s side in an argument and then 

coming to an agreement and expressing feelings rather than hitting.

•	 Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Instead of saying, “I’ll always keep you safe,” say, “Let’s make a plan 

together to help you feel safe when you’re scared.”

•	 Help them make a plan for staying safe the next time violence happens. (See box on page 3.)

Teenagers, Ages 12–18

You may not be the first person a teenager will turn to when he’s upset. Teens are most likely to talk with their peers. 

Don’t take it personally. Be mindful of your own reactions to the event and of the fact that adolescents need the 

support of calm caregivers. They may also fear that, as an adult, you will discount or underestimate the significance of 

their feelings. The best you can do is listen, remain open and available, and let them know you’re there for them. 

It’s important to listen to school-aged children and tell them that it’s OK to feel the 

way they do. Doing so will keep them from:

•	 thinking that the violence is normal 

•	 becoming confused and blaming themselves 

•	 thinking that it’s not OK to ask about violence or discuss it 

•	 learning to deny their feelings or hold them inside 

•	 feeling that they are crazy 

•	 feeling lonely and isolated from their friends 

•	 forming unrealistic beliefs about the causes of the violence, such as blaming themselves 
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If teenagers see or are hurt by violence, they may:

•	 talk or think about the event all the time 

•	 say the event didn’t happen

•	 use violence to get what they want

•	 rebel at home or in school

•	 stop being concerned about how they look

•	 complain about being tired all the time

•	 refuse to follow rules

•	 spend more time away from home 

•	 not want to leave the house

•	 get scared when thinking about the event

•	 have nightmares

•	 have difficulty paying attention in class or concentrating on work

•	 do risky things (such as driving fast, jumping from high places)

•	 want to seek revenge

•	 change friends or dating relationships abruptly

•	 become perpetrators or victims of violent dating relationships*

•	 drink and use drugs*

•	 start skipping school*

•	 think about wanting to die or committing suicide*

•	 break the law or destroy things *

*Take these actions seriously and seek professional help.

A teenager may feel embarrassed to talk about what happened, but he won’t want you to know that. Try to make 

him feel comfortable about talking to you. But don’t force him to talk if he doesn’t want to. Don’t downplay his 

feelings by saying things like “Don’t worry” or “Cheer up.” Try not to make judgments or give advice. Instead, let 

him know you’re there to help him find solutions. 

Here are some things a teenager might do if you try to talk to him about violence:

•	 ignore you

•	 change the subject (“I’m hungry”) 

•	 blame others for the violence (for instance, by saying, “If you were nicer to him, he wouldn’t hit you” or “You 

should have done what he said” or “Those kids were just asking for trouble”)

•	 run to his room and slam the door 

•	 say, “Don’t worry,” and try to cheer you up 

•	 try to hit you

•	 listen quietly without saying anything 

•	 say, “Whatever”

Don’t take any of these responses personally. Try some of the strategies listed below. Remember that healing takes 

time, and teens need you to be patient.

Here are some ways you can help teenagers express what they’re thinking and feeling:

•	 Reach out to teens by asking, in private, “what’s wrong?” Use conversation openings such as “You haven’t 

seemed yourself lately,” “You seem kind of down,” or “Is something bothering you?” 

•	 Encourage teens to talk about their feelings and tell their side of the story.
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•	 Expect some difficult behavior but don’t let teens break the rules out of sympathy. 

•	 Respond calmly to what teens have to say. 

•	 Don’t judge.

•	 Keep anniversary reactions in mind. For example, a teen may feel upset on the date the violence occurred, even 

years after the event. 

•	 Show you understand by repeating in your own words what they said or felt. Let them know that the feelings are 

normal. For example, “It sounds like you really hated Dad when he was hitting you.” 

•	 Help them identify and label their feelings. For example, “I can understand why this made you angry.”

•	 Praise their efforts to communicate their thoughts and feelings. For example, tell them, “I’m glad you are talking 

with me about this.” 

•	 Respond supportively when they tell you about the event. Don’t disagree or try to lessen the intensity of their 

feelings.

•	 Encourage them to write about their thoughts and feelings in a journal. 

•	 Encourage them to talk to people with whom they feel comfortable. They might choose to confide in close 

friends or a trusted teacher, coach, or counselor. 

Here are some things you can do to help teenagers feel safe and in control:

•	 Be extra patient. They may be distracted and forget to do chores or turn in school assignments.

•	 Give straightforward explanations, whenever possible, for things that may worry them. 

•	 Find out what’s making them feel unsafe and help them make a safety plan. (See box on page 5.)

•	 Support them to engage in comforting routines—listening to favorite music, playing sports, keeping a journal, 

looking at photographs. These can bring a sense of hope. 

•	 Provide them with safe and fun physical activities to release the tension. Good choices of activities include those 

that they do well or enjoy. 

•	 Enroll them in programs that teach conflict resolution skills.

•	 Don’t make commitments you can’t honor. Don’t say, “You’ll be safe from now on.” Instead you might say, 

“Let’s make a plan to keep you as safe as possible.”

•	 Suggest concrete things they can do. You might start by saying, “I’m sorry that this is happening to you. You’re 

not alone. Let’s take a look at your options.” 

•	 Help them think of positive ways to keep busy, such as playing sports, going out with friends, or making art 

or music.
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Hotlines

When you call one of the hotlines listed here, you’ll 

talk to a trained counselor who will connect you to 

the help you need. 

National Crime Victim Helpline 

1-800-FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255) 

1-800-211-7996 TTY 

8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. ET weekdays

Assistance in English and Spanish with access to more 

than 170 languages through interpreters. 

www.ncvc.org 

Information about what to do if you are the victim of a violent 

crime and referrals to local services anywhere in the country.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)

1-800-787-3224 TTY

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Assistance in English and Spanish with access to more 

than 170 languages through interpreters.

www.ndvh.org 

Crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals 

to local agencies for survivors and anyone calling on their 

behalf. Available in all 50 States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and 

the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Assistance in 170 languages through interpreters

www.childhelp.org

Crisis intervention, information, and referrals to emergency, 

social service, and support resources for children, parents, 

and concerned adults. Available in the United States, 

Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Publications

3–6-Year-Olds

I Do and I Don’t. Authors: Fred Rogers and Hedda 

Sharapan. Available from Family Communications 

Bookstore (Professional Resources, select “Scenes from 

a Shelter”); Telephone: 412-687-2990; www.fci.org. 

This storybook helps children living with domestic violence 

know that they can talk about their feelings—especially 

ambivalent feelings toward the people they love. 

A Terrible Thing Happened: A Story for Children 

Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma. Author: 

Margaret Holmes, 2000. Available from Magination 

Press; Toll-free: 1-800-374-2721; www.maginationpress.com. 

Illustrated story for helping children who have witnessed 

any kind of violent or traumatic episode understand their 

feelings. Includes suggestions for caregivers and a list of 

resources.

7–11-Year-Olds

I Can Make My World a Safer Place. Author: Paul 

Kivel, 2000. Available from Volcano Press; Toll-free: 

1-800-879-9636; www.volcanopress.com. 

A book for caregivers to read to children about finding alternatives to violence in their lives. Includes drawings and activities.

Something Is Wrong at My House: A Book About 

Parents’ Fighting. Author: Diane Davis, 1984. 

Available from Parenting Press; Toll-free: 1-800-992-

6657; www.parentingpress.com. 

A boy in a violent household finds a way to care for himself 

and obtain adult help. He describes his feelings of anger, 

fear, and loneliness. Available in Spanish.

12–18-Year-Olds

Autobiography of My Dead Brother. Author: Walter 

Dean Myers, 2005. Available from HarperCollins; 

Toll-free: 1-800-242-7737; www.harpercollins.com. 

Fifteen-year-old Jessie uses his sketchbook to make sense of 

the violence and loss he experiences in his neighborhood.

Breathing Underwater. Author: Alex Flinn, 2001. 

Available from bookstores.

Sixteen year-old Nick keeps a journal in which he examines 

his controlling behavior toward his girlfriend, and describes 

living with his abusive father.

The Kids’ Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to 

Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along. Author: Naomi 

Drew. Available from Boys Town Press; Toll-free: 

1-800-282-6657; www.boystownpress.org. 

This book describes the reasons behind common kinds of 

conflicts and a plan for finding positive ways to behave in 

difficult circumstances. Includes tips for countering bullying, 

letting go of anger, and eliminating hurtful language. 

The Rules of Survival. Author: Nancy Werlin, 

2006. Available from 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. 

For Caregivers

Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in 

Challenging Times. Author: Zoe Weil, 2003. Available 

from Volcano Press; Toll-free: 1-800-879-9636; www.

volcanopress.com. 

Suggestions for raising children of all ages to be more 

compassionate in their interactions with family and friends 

and to demonstrate respect for the environment. 

Resources
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Children and Violence. Available free from the National 

Institute of Mental Health; www.nimh.nih.gov/health/

topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/children-andviolence.shtml. 

Information for parents, community members, and rescue 

workers to help children avoid emotional problems in the 

wake of violence or disaster and ways to prevent youth 

violence.

Little Eyes, Little Ears: How Violence Against a Mother 

Shapes Children as They Grow. 2007. Available free 

from the Centre for Children and Families in the Justice 

System; www.lfcc.on.ca.

Information on the effects of violence at home on children, 

how children cope, and suggestions for how to end violence. Developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Little Listeners in an Uncertain World. Available 

free from Zero to Three; www.zerotothree.org/site/

PageServer?pagename=key_disaster.

Coping strategies for families with young children during 

difficult and uncertain times. 

When Dad Hurts Mom: Helping Your Children Heal 

the Wounds of Witnessing Abuse. Author: Lundy 

Bancroft, 2005. Available from Women and Children 

First Bookstore; Telephone: 773-769-9299; www.

womenandchildrenfirst.com. 

How abusers manipulate children and how mothers who 

have experienced abuse help their children recover from the 

trauma of witnessing violence.

Web Sites

American Academy of Pediatrics

www.aap.org/parents.html 

Resources on many topics, including sexuality, stress, injury 

prevention, internet safety, and finding a pediatrician. Free 

newsletter.

American Psychological Association

http://actagainstviolence.apa.org

Adults and Children Together – Against Violence (ACT) 

project provides violence prevention strategies for adults 

who raise, care for, and teach children ages 0 to 8 years. 

Publications and workshops available in English and 

Spanish.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

www.bbbs.org

Network of mentoring organizations serving children and 

youth. Enroll your child online.

Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System

www.lfcc.on.ca 

Publications for caregivers on the effects of violence against 

mothers on their children. 

Child Witness to Violence Project

www.childwitnesstoviolence.org 

Resources to help professionals working with children exposed to home and community violence.

Family Communications

www.fci.org 

Resources to help caregivers talk with children about 

thoughts, feelings, and concerns. English and Spanish books 

and CDs for purchase.

Family Violence Prevention Fund

www.endabuse.org

Resources for professionals and caregivers on domestic 

violence, child welfare, and children’s exposure to violence.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children

www.massadvocates.org

Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI) resources to 

ensure that children affected by family violence succeed in 

school.

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse 

(MINCAVA)

www.mincava.umn.edu

Electronic clearinghouse with materials related to violence 

against women and children.

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 

(PTSD)

www.ncptsd.org 

Fact sheets and videos about trauma, PTSD, and related 

issues for the general public, including children and 

adolescents.

National Center for Victims of Crime

www.ncvc.org

Information and resources, including referrals to local 

victim services providers. Download Teen Action Toolkit, 

an action plan for teens and families interested in starting a 

community effort to improve services for adolescent crime 

victims. 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

www.nctsn.org

Collaboration of academic and community-based service 

centers working to improve care and increase access to 

services for traumatized children and their families. National 

clearinghouse with information on traumatic stress, including effective treatments and ways to seek help. 

National Institute of Child Health and Human 

Development National Institutes of Health

www.nichd.nih.gov

Research and publications on the health of children, adults, 

and families. Health information specialists are available to 

answer questions. 
12 

National Mental Health Information Center

www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov 

Information and free publications on mental health issues. 

Use the Referral Locator to access State resource guides.

New York University Child Study Center

www.aboutourkids.org 

Articles about the emotional and social development of 

children, mental health disorders, when to seek treatment, 

and how to find a therapist.

Parenting Resources, USA.gov

www.usa.gov/Topics/Parents.shtml 

Links to Federal resources for parents.

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

www.sadd.org

Peer leadership organization for teens committed to 

preventing destructive behaviors such as drug use and 

violence. Support for starting a local chapter. 

YMCA and YWCA

www.ymca.net 

www.ywca.org

National network of community agencies offering recreational and educational programs, child care, and summer 

camps for children and teens. Some have domestic violence 

programs.

Zero to Three

www.zerotothree.org

National organization providing information and training to 

promote the health and development of infants and toddlers. 

Section for parents with research-based publications on 

topics such as brain development, child care, play, and early 

language and literacy.

Safe Start Center

5515 Security Lane, Suite 800

North Bethesda, MD 20852

1-800-865-0965

www.safestartcenter.org 

The Safe Start Center supports the Safe Start initiative on a national level. The goals of the Center are:

•	 To develop resources for responding to the needs of children exposed to violence and their families

•	 To raise national awareness about the impact of exposure to violence on children.

For copies of this and other Safe Start Center publications, contact the Safe Start Center at 1-800-865-0965 or info@

safestartcenter.org or visit the Safe Start Center Web site at www.safestartcenter.org. 

An electronic version of this publication can be found on the Web at www.safestartcenter.org.

This publication is supported by Contract No. GS-10F-0285K awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and 

Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Office of Justice Programs, 

U.S. Department of Justice. 

The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) 

and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of OJJDP or the U.S. Department of Justice.

An electronic version of this publication can be found on the Web at www.safestartcenter.org