Kid's Guide to Understanding Domestic Abuse

"What is going on? Why does this keep happening?" Kids who have lived with domestic abuse need answers to their questions. Children and teens have typically been given very little, if any information to help answer these questions, and often believe that they are at fault for the conflict and fighting between the adults in their home. Along with the burden of self-blame, they believe they must keep the secret of what really goes on at home as a way of protecting everyone involved. Knowledge empowers and counters the helplessness kids often feel who are exposed to abuse in the home. The interactive format of A Kid's Guide to Understanding Domestic Abuse will encourage kids to reflect on the information as it applies to their individual circumstances. It also leads them to the realization that they can take control of their own lives and determine how they want to live, thus giving hope that they can break the generational cycle of domestic violence. Jody Cowdin, M.A., M.Ed., began her career as an elementary teacher in both regular and special education, and also became a Registered Play Therapist, and later an Associate Professor at Bethel University. Along with professional training, her personal experience as a domestic abuse victim and then single mother of three children prepared her for her professional work with victims of domestic violence at The Dwelling Place. She is currently retired and serves as an advocate through her church.