What We Do > Children's Services

HAWC Children's Programs

In Massachusetts, an estimated 43,000 children annually witness domestic abuse in their homes. Children are often referred to as the "hidden victims." 

Family violence affects children of every age, from every income, race and religion. Seeing or hearing domestic violence can affect children emotionally, behaviorally and academically. 

HAWC has recently developed
children's programs to help children who have been exposed to abuse start the
healing process.

The Parent Child Trauma Recovery Program

Parent/Child Trauma Recovery Counseling supports the parent child bond that is impacted by domestic violence while also assisting protective parent and child through their recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by abuse.  In the safety of a therapeutic room, where the parents and therapist are present, experience of the violence for the child can be heard and understood sometimes for the first time, often through age appropriate means of expression including play and art. The child’s fears and feelings are addressed while the parent’s strengths and protective responses are acknowledged and supported. Children are able to be children again, settling in school, laughing and playing more easily, being less withdrawn or less aggressive.  The protective parent is supported by a HAWC advocate who provides safety planning, advocacy, and support.   Our collaborating partner in the Parent/Child Trauma Recovery Program is MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s Outpatient Mental Health Department in Salem, a clinic of North Shore Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry.There is hope for you and your children. Start the healing process one step at a time. 

To learn more, contact Peg Tiberio at 978-354-4383.     
    

HAWC children's programs include:  

Support and information for both parents and children  
Trainings for professionals working with families  
Play and art therapy groups for children
Counseling sessions for children and parents
Safety planning for children

Marigold CharitableTrust supports HAWC’s Parent Child Trauma Recovery Program. 

For more information on Marigold, please click on their logo.