Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center offers a free crisis counseling program for children who have witnessed or experienced family violence. The goal of this program is to relieve emotional distress suffered by children in violent homes and to break the cycle of abuse. This is accomplished by helping children work through feelings, by educating them about abuse, and by teaching them conflict resolution and anger management skills.

Domestic violence affects children in different ways and children may display a variety of behaviors as a result. Some potential responses may include:

• Impaired concentration
• Aggressive behavior
• Difficulty with school work
• Attention seeking behavior
• Accident prone behaviors
• Fear of failure
• Fear of attending school or other activities
• Acting overly responsible

SPARCC’s Children’s Advocates employ a variety of play therapy techniques to help children communicate their feelings. Sessions may include activities, conversation, videos and other informational materials. Services are offered at SPARCC’s outreach offices and at its shelter. Parents do not need to be a client of SPARCC for their children to receive services; a signed consent form is the only requirement for participation.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child, call (941) 365-1976.