The Trauma of Domestic Violence = At-Risk Kids?
Format
Poster Presentation
Location
Harborside Center East and West
Strand #1
Mental & Physical Health
Relevance
My proposal relates to strand #4. Many youth are traumatized by witnessing violence each day & they do not have the skills nor the support system to address the feelings/emotions that occur. Often the trauma manifests itself anger, poor social skills, or anxiety. Children who witness domestic violence have a great likelihood of being diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. If children & youth have developed coping mechanisms, then more positive outcomes may occur. The witnessing of violence can lead to a life-time of mental health issues unless they receive interventions & support on a timely basis.
Brief Program Description
This session will focus on the trauma of Domestic Violence and the effect upon children & youth who are witness to it. There will be discussion of the effects of DV on brain function and learning, how it interferes with later relationship development, and off-shoots of DV such as teen dating violence & breakup violence.
Summary
The witnessing of domestic violence may have many long-term effects on children and youth. It is important that those individuals that interact with students and families know & understand the phenomenon of DV. Often children who live in an environment in which there is DV can be traumatized by the violence which often shows with changes in behavior, feelings of anxiety and depression, & even physical changes. This presentation will give an overview of DV, will discuss the impact of witnessing DV on children, signs of trauma in relation to the developmental stages, the services & interventions that may be provided and other possible resources. The witnessing of DV may be a causal factor in later incidents of aggression & violence in our youth. If we want more positive outcomes for our youth, we need to understand this phenomenon and be aware of what we can do to intervene and provide resources. The presentation will explore social, behavioral, emotional, & physical effects of DV, as well as the toxic stress that often occurs. DV is a problem that affects many and may lead to negative consequences. It is important that all understand & promote more resources into this problem.
Evidence
The Hamilton County Violence Prevention Project collaborated with agencies (such as Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati, & the YWCA) within the Hamilton County Ohio area to design a training for educators and others who deal with families in-crisis on a daily basis. The purpose of the training is to inform all regarding the prevalence of DV, the perpetuation of DV, and ways to address the issues associated with DV. The information provided in this training is research-based and approved by the Hamilton Country Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. This training has been presented to Guardians ad Litem, foster parent, court personnel, and at regional, state-wide, & national trainings.
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Audrey Coaston is the Lead Psychologist for Cincinnati Public School. She received her doctorate in Criminal Justice in 2009. She has been a school psychologist for over 25 years and has worked with many families & students that have experienced DV. Dr. Coaston has been a trainer on family violence and has presented her information at local, state, and national conferences. Dr. Shelton has worked directly with homeless families in shelters who were displaced due to DV. In her spare time (which is rare) she likes to read mystery novels and has her own brownie baking business "Audrey's I Love You Brownies!" She has been an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati & for Capella University.
Keyword Descriptors
Domestic Violence, trauma
Presentation Year
2015
Start Date
3-3-2015 4:00 PM
End Date
3-3-2015 5:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Coaston, Audrey A., "The Trauma of Domestic Violence = At-Risk Kids?" (2015). National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference. 195.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/nyar_savannah/2015/2015/195
The Trauma of Domestic Violence = At-Risk Kids?
Harborside Center East and West
This session will focus on the trauma of Domestic Violence and the effect upon children & youth who are witness to it. There will be discussion of the effects of DV on brain function and learning, how it interferes with later relationship development, and off-shoots of DV such as teen dating violence & breakup violence.
