Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence: Educating Children

Hi - it's Jennifer ... We have read a lot lately on the front page of The Indianapolis Star about extreme domestic violence; it seems like idyllic families and neighborhoods have been shattered by unimaginable violence. It makes me feel fortunate to be a part of a family where everyone treats each other with kindness and respect ... and, when my children don't, they learn through reasonable and appropriate consequences.

The domestic violence statistics continue to be staggering. The only thing new to me lately is the attention the most recent violence has received in the media. Unfortunately, domestic violence occurs every day all across this city; families of every socio-economic background experience violence in their homes. Why?

We know children imitate their parents in all we do ... the good and the bad. Our actions speak louder than our words. What if our words and our actions are loud and harmful? If a child grows up in a home where people scream, yell, hit, isolate, degrade, punish, etc. how will they know this isn't okay. If the only behaviors modeled are negative, children will expect to be treated this way in other relationship and will also use these same actions in how they communicate.

I am really proud of a $150,000 grant Women's Fund gave to the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center (RLHEC) two years ago for them to provide three-years of healthy relationships programming to 5th and 7th graders in IPS. The partnership with IPS is important because they do not have funding available to access this sort of programming. RLHEC created a curriculum to help the students learn to recognize appropriate behaviors and what to do if they are currently in or someday are part of an unhealthy relationship. Over a period of three school years, RLHEC will deliver this program to each 5th grader and each 7th grader one time a year; in year three the seventh graders will be having a great follow-up lesson.

It is the hope of Women's Fund that this programming will help break the cycle of violence. Every time a child has the opportunity to learn a positive behavior or a better way to respond to someone else's negative behavior, they have one more chance at a better life.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please seek help. The best place to start is by calling 2-1-1.

Thank you for your interest in and support of Women's Fund.