Children and youth who experience trauma need the same things that all children need, like consistency, hope and optimism, support, honesty, connection, and models of nurturing, respect, and compassion. They need love and nurturance, understanding and assurance, and to feel worthy and valued for who they are.
The Changing Minds project of Futures Without Violence has an evidence-based model that explains how adults can support the healing and resilience of children exposed to domestic violence through 5 simple “everyday gestures.” These encourage the people in children’s lives to celebrate, comfort, collaborate, listen, and inspire them.
While the things that children need may be simple, knowing the best way to support kids in navigating the trauma in their lives can be hard. The resources in this section offer tools, strategies, and frameworks for those closest to children and youth to utilize in supporting their path to healing and resilience.
There are a number of programs, campaigns, and peer support communities designed to support parents and caregivers in creating nurturing home environments for children and youth:
- Askable Adults - This resource from the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence gives adults tips on how to be an “askable adult” for children needing support.
- Parenting Inside Out - “Parenting Inside Out (PIO) is a program of The Pathfinder Network, a 501©(3) non-profit founded to provide justice system-impacted individuals and families the tools and support they need to be safe and thrive in our communities that serve thousands of individuals and families each year.”
- Parenting for Liberation - “Parenting for Liberation is a virtual community that connects, inspires, and uplifts Black folks as they navigate and negotiate raising Black children within the social and political context of the US.”
- Small Moments - This campaign by the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is made for parents to have meaningful conversations with children around intimate partner violence. It is also for community members to learn how to support parents in these conversations.
- Strong Fathers Program - The Strong Fathers Program is designed for fathers who want to change their family dynamic and end violence in the family home.
- Talk Now Talk Often AK - “Talk Now Talk Often AK is a statewide effort developed by parents and caregivers like you to help increase conversations with teens around healthy relationships.”