In a child there is innocence that does not understand right from wrong. When a child witnesses abuse, messages of what love, respect and kindness is lost. The family unit becomes dysfunctional as a result of domestic violence, sexual, physical and/or psychological abuse. The child ultimately doesn’t understand what goes on due to the silence of the victimized family member. Victims are silenced and so are their children for they both fear to be subject to more violence. Children in the home rely on safety, shelter, clothing, nourishment, and love, unfortunately, none of these components exist when families are exposed to domestic violence. Sometimes our thoughts are not pleasant so we deny the truth which leads to revolving doors beginning and ending at the same place. The person’s (child and victim’s) emotional and psychological make-up will be damaged and there is a desperate need to repair what has been broken, healing requires trust. Once abuse is accepted, violence can continue through generations. The alternative victims face is to rely on systems that do not re-victimize woman and their children. I request that ACS begins to use their money to assist families by providing support and protection to keep impacted families together. Not only do ACS separate families but also misallocate their resources and prolong the separation. Once again the child suffers in silence without a true understanding of the reason why he/she was separated from his/her caretaker. It’s time for a conversation, the change begins with you. Survivors’ deepest and darkest secrets must be unveiled and brought to the light to allow the process of healing to begin. “We, survivors of abuse, represent a change that we, with the support of others, can make possible. Our values, integrity and transparency lead to an understanding among the general public of what abuse is. Without community involvement how can we address the victims’ needs? Communication is essential between survivors, policymakers and local communities so that survivors’ experiences are taken into account. When does the cycle of abuse end if the community continues to turn the blind eye?
It is my pleasure to be part of a group of strong women who are making a difference and laying new bricks that will pave the way for victims of domestic violence to walk upon.
– Tanya, VOW member and Senior Campaign Organizer
Thank you, Katherine. Well said. ACS should focus on keeping family together. As long as they can see that the family is making progress on change for the better, and there is healing. I wish I didn’t have to surrender my parental rights. There is a huge void in my life without my daughter. Thank you for speaking out on domestic violence.
ACS must focus on keeping families together paired with providing support to victims by trained staff persons who can assist without biases or judgments.
An excellently written piece, with extremely valid, crucial, and urgent points!
Nice blog will put keep up the good work
Hi Katherine, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, we need more preventive services and more understanding of the struggle survivors of domestic violence face while parenting. ACS too often criminalizes the victim and rips families apart when, with the same amount of resources, they could focus on rebuilding lives.
Also, to you Marissa, I am sorry to hear what happened. No should be in a position when they have to surrender their parental rights.