October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to help raise awareness about an often-hidden issue that affects millions of families every year. For those who work in child welfare, the connection between domestic violence and child safety is painfully clear. When a parent or caregiver experiences abuse, children are affected too, emotionally, psychologically, and sometimes physically. Even when they are not the direct victims, witnessing violence in the home can leave deep and lasting scars.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. That’s more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year. Children witnessed violence in nearly 1 in 4 intimate partner violence cases filed in state courts. What’s more, one study found that children exposed to violence in the home were 15 times more likely to be physically and/or sexually assaulted than the national average.
At Saint Francis Ministries, we understand that helping children means supporting the adults who care for them. Many of the families we serve are struggling not just with poverty, addiction, or instability, but also with the trauma of intimate partner violence. Through evidence-based prevention programs, our teams work to break cycles of abuse by helping families build healthier relationships grounded in safety, respect, and trust.
Child welfare is not only about protection, but also about healing and prevention. When we provide families with the tools to manage conflict, communicate effectively, and access resources, we help create homes where children can grow without fear. This month, and every month, we honor the survivors, advocates, and professionals working to make that vision a reality.
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence and in need of immediate help, call the Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available.
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