A 6-yr old boy displaced due to domestic violence wishes for a LeapFrog and its device learning games for Christmas.

Every month, our Breakaway Outreach ministry is serving women and children displaced due to domestic violence. Twelve children have already been adopted for Christmas gifts and winter clothing. We’ve just been given an added referral for a 6-yr old boy in secure care whose only wish for Christmas is a LeapFrog device and some associated learning games. If you wish to adopt this child for a gift, simply contact Cindy Larche at cindy@breakawayoutreach.com.

Domestic Violence Prevalence

According to a study of domestic violence shelters and services in the U.S., in a single day in 2008, 16,458 children were living in a domestic violence shelter or transitional housing facility, while an additional 6,430 children sought services at a non-residential program. From: The National Network to End Domestic Violence, (2009). Domestic Violence Counts 2008: A 24-hour Census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services.

The U.S. government’s Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a review of some research about the effects of domestic violence on children. Studies indicate that child witnesses, on average, are more aggressive and fearful and more often suffer from anxiety, depression and other trauma-related symptoms when compared to children who have not witnessed abuse or been abused. Children growing up in violent homes often feel they are responsibile for the abuse and may feel guilty because they think they caused it or because they are unable to stop it. They live with constant anxiety that another beating will occur or that they will be abandoned. They may feel guilty or confused for loving the abuser or getting mad at the victim. Children may be at a higher risk of alcohol or drug abuse, experience cognitive problems or stress-related ailments (headaches, rashes), and have difficulties in school. The Family Violence Prevention Fund offers a good overview of facts related to how children can be affected by domestic violence, and provides many additional resources.