Domestic Violence 101 and its Impact on Young Children, presented by the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington

The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington will present a free educational presentation for childcare providers, teachers, parents/guardians and community members on Wednesday, December 14th called “Domestic Violence 101 and its Impact on Young Children.” The speaker is Tyshaunda Wiley, MPH, the Prevention Coordinator at the Prudence Crandall Center.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in an intimate relationship where one partner tries to control and dominate the other. The behavior may be verbally, psychologically, physically or sexually abusive. Assaulting, threatening or stalking an intimate partner is a crime in the state of Connecticut.

Attendees will:

• Learn more about the issues around domestic violence/abuse situations

• Identify signs of violence, abuse or unhealthy relationships in a child’s home

• Hear how these situations impact a child’s health and well-being into adulthood

• Gather resources to help children, friends, co-workers, family or themselves

“Many people think that domestic violence is not an issue in a town like Southington,” said Joanne Kelleher, director of the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, “but the numbers prove otherwise and the impact on young children can last through their entire lives.” Last year to date, the Prudence Crandall Center worked with over 410 clients in Southington through all their services including counseling/support, victim advocacy, civil legal, criminal justice, safety planning, information provided, referrals, and emergency shelter.

According to the Connecticut Coalition against Domestic Violence (http://www.ctcadv.org/information-about-domestic-violence/national-statistics/):

• Nearly ½ of all women in the U.S. have experienced at least one form of psychological aggression by an intimate partner during their lifetime, such as name-calling and humiliation.
• 1 in 4 women have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their life.
• Over 15 million children witness domestic violence each year in the United States.
• A 2005 Michigan Study found that children exposed to domestic violence at home are more likely to have health problems, including becoming sick more often and having frequent headaches or stomachaches.
• Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence also suffer abuse or neglect at high rates (30%-60%).
• Fifteen percent of teens who have been in a relationship report having been hit, slapped or pushed by their boyfriend or girlfriend.

The free workshop will be held at Hatton Elementary School Media Center, 50 Spring Lake Rd., Southington. Doors open at 6:00 pm, presentation to start at 6:30 pm. Free childcare is available through the Family Resource Center for those who request it in advance. Register at www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/events/.

About The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington

The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington is a group of committed educators, community leaders, parents, healthcare providers, childcare providers and members of the community who are deeply invested in the growth, development and academic success of young children in Southington. The Collaborative’s mission is that “all Southington children will enter school ready to learn.” ECCS is dedicated to three goals: 1) Advocating for high quality preschool and childcare; 2) Empowering parents and families through workshops and educational programs; and 3) Being a wide-ranging resource for community members on the subject of early childhood care and education.

For more information, and to review the Community Plan for Southington’s Young Children, visit www.southingtonearlychildhood.org. Visit ECCS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ECCSouthington/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ecc_southington.

About the Prudence Crandall Center

Prudence Crandall Center is the oldest domestic violence program in the state and the only one serving Bristol, Berlin, Burlington, Kensington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Terryville. Last year alone, over 8,000 lives were touched by their work. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs, court advocacy, counseling, and community education. For additional information about Prudence Crandall Center, visit www.prudencecrandall.org. To access the 24-hour hotline, call 860-225-6357 or toll-free 888-774-2900. All services are free and confidential.