All our services are free and confidential. Information for parents Hotline Shelter Court Advocacy Support Groups Counseling Referrals Be A Role Model      Know The Signs      Children Are Victims      What Children Learn      For Parents of Teens   Teach Non-Violence By Example Children learn from their parents! Be a good role model for your child. Show respect for your child's feelings, thoughts, and suggestions. Make your child feel loved with praise, and with hugs and kisses. Keep your word. Encourage creativity in children. Ask questions that will stimulate their curiosity and imagination. Show appreciation for your child's efforts. Stay involved. Know what's going on in your child's life. Discipline fairly, firmly, and with love. Use non-violent methods of discipline. Expect the best, from your child and from yourself. Return to top of page   Be Aware Of The Signs Children traumatized by domestic violence may exhibit symptoms such as : serious problems with temper tantrums continual fighting at school or between siblings lashing out at objects, inside or outside of the home treating pets cruelly or abusively threatening younger sister or brother with violence For instance, "You get over here with my teddy bear or I'll kill you. I'll slice you into little pieces with a knife" attempting to get attention through hitting, kicking or choking modeling after dad--"Monkey see, monkey do" with girls, withdrawal, signs not so obvious occasional cringing if you raise your arm Return to top of page Children Are Victims, Too Even if your children are not being physically abused, if they are living in a violent environment they are affected in many ways. Children who witness domestic violence may feel: Powerless Confused Bad Helpless Angry Self-blaming Anxious Guilty about loving the abusive parent Guilty about not protecting abused parent Worried about the future Worried about the possible loss of a parent Insecure Hopeless Divided loyalty Numb Return to top of page   What Children Learn From Domestic Violence Other people are responsible for my behavior I am responsible for other people’s behavior Men have the right to control women Violence is an appropriate way to solve problems My mom is to blame for my dad’s violence The violence is my mom’s fault Women have no rights My mom can’t protect me Nothing is safe Domestic violence is normal Intimidation is the way to get what I want Other people have the right to abuse me My dad’s violence is my fault It’s OK to abuse my mom Return to top of page   For Parents of Teens Your teen needs you to: Listen Model strength, openness, trust, and cooperation Respect intelligence Value teens’ fears Respect teen desire to be independent Provide a clear, understandable conceptual framework to aid in problem solving Provide options Prevent rudeness, judging (especially about appearance), lecturing, attitudes of disrespect Emphasize local community information, services, and networks Understand systematic mistreatment that young people receive in this adult-defined world and correct that mistreatment Avoid victim blaming statements Avoid reaffirming sex-role stereotypes Believe in the severity of the abuse Acknowledge the role of power and control in abusive relationships, and how authority figures can replicate that role. Validate the victim’s concerns Return to top of page

The information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Women Are Safe, Inc., does not discriminate in regard to sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or marital status. All of our services are free. The program receives funding from United Way, from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and from the Gannett Foundation through The Tennessean. This program is partially funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee, Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Criminal Justice Programs. Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Department of Justice.