Why you should learn more

Did you know…

• Being exposed to violence at home or in the neighborhood may change the life of an infant, toddler and young child forever
• Approximately 90% of children are aware of the violence directed at their mother whether or not they actually see it when it happens.
• Children living in the midst of domestic violence are themselves at increased risk of experiencing physical injury or child abuse (e.g., physical, emotional).
• Because of a child’s physical and cognitive immaturity, they tend to respond to community violence with greater fear and confusion than adults.
• The impact of media violence on a child is moderated by the parent’s response to what the child sees.
• When we expose children to violence, we may in fact be teaching them to practice violence

Children need...

• Consistent care from loving, alert adults who work together to reassure and protect them.
• Time, affection and attention.
• Loving support and lots of comfort from the adults they trust

Remember…

Children are often the forgotten ones when violence occurs. You can observe and listen, provide time, affection and attention to children in the midst of violent circumstances. The more we learn about the effects of violence on children, the more we can reduce the long-term impacts of violence on very young children. The more we understand CEV, the better equipped we are as adults to respond appropriately when it occurs.

How you can learn more…

You can learn more by participating in one of our training sessions or by searching this site www.ChicagoSafeStart.net for more information about this issue and other related information.