October was first declared National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. Domestic violence incidents affect every person within a home and can have long-lasting negative effects on children's emotional well-being, and social and academic functioning.*
"Children who witness domestic violence can suffer severe emotional and developmental difficulties that are similar to those of children who are direct victims of abuse," said CASA of Brown County Youth Director Taylor Connell. "Difficulties may include anxiety, difficulty concentrating, nightmares and sleeplessness, and aggression. Children are at greater risk of long-term health problems when becoming adults including depression, substance abuse, and heart disease. A violent and hostile environment has devastating effects on children."
During pre-service training, CASA volunteers learn about the impact of domestic violence to help them advocate for children, provide support, and recommend resources that are in the child’s best interest.
With a CASA volunteer by their side, children have a caring, consistent voice to support their well-being and help lower the risk of negative outcomes.
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