WARSAW — The effects of domestic violence on children can be long lasting and perpetuates the vicious cycle of abuse into the next generation. That’s why Beaman Home Executive Director, Tracie Hodson, wants to remind community members that children who have witnessed domestic violence are more likely to experience depression, unacceptable social behaviors, anxiety, nightmares, teen dating violence and disruptions with school work. “In fact, the trauma can be very similar to when children experience abuse themselves,” Hodson explained.

DV Survivor, Traci Miller, agrees. “We need to be aware of the effects abuse has on our children. We don’t want them to learn love hurts or that it is okay to hit someone in anger. Children should not live in fear and learn that being abused is normal.” She encourages caring adults to talk to the children about their worries, encourage them to express their feelings, and be patient and give extra hugs. And Miller adds, “The Beaman Home can help abused parents work with their children through their Outreach Center whether or not the parent is housed in the Emergency Shelter.”

Family violence cuts across all society’s segments and income levels and has a serious impact on children, a nationwide study indicates. Parents are such big figures in a child’s life. If a parent is endangered, that threatens a child’s well-being. They worry that if their parent is in danger, who will protect them.

The Beaman Home Emergency Shelter and Outreach Center campus for domestic violence victims on Parker Street has established the SYNC Up! Program, managed by Brandie Rex, who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from IU, enabling case managers and advocates to better serve these vulnerable children as well as their parents.

Beaman Home has provided services to Kosciusko, Fulton, and Marshall Counties’ victims of domestic violence and their children since 1985. For more information, please visit online or find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of assault or abuse – there is help! Please do not hesitate to contact Beaman Home’s Toll Free 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 877-725-9363.