Empowering mothers to be able to make positive changes in their lives and supporting their healing process is one of the most important keys to helping children heal and to break the intergenerational cycle of violence. As children begin to express their feelings and to understand the causes and effects of their behavior, they are able to begin changing the patterns in their lives. Every member of our community has opportunities to support children living in violent homes. Reaching out to a neighbor s child, volunteering time to work on our crisis line or with children, and talking to others about the effects of domestic violence on children all help to interrupt the cycle of violence and promote prevention and healing. 50 to 70 per cent of children exposed to domestic violence suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a higher rate than either Vietnam Veterans or rape victims.
Violence tends to increase during pregnancy, resulting in an increased rate of miscarriage.
As children grow into teens they exhibit higher levels of delinquency and violent behavior than those in non-violent homes.