If you are in need of Genesis services, call or text the 24-hour helpline- 214.946.HELP (4357)
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Genesis serves more than 3,700 women and children each year.
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Through the years, Genesis has served over 35,000 women and children.
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If you are in need of Genesis services, call or text the 24-hour helpline- 214.946.HELP (4357) • Genesis serves more than 3,700 women and children each year. • Through the years, Genesis has served over 35,000 women and children. •
Children are the most vulnerable but YOU are their best ally.
YOU can be a child’s best ally by helping them receive the care they need. The sooner a child gets help or treatment, the better their chances for establishing healthy coping skills. If your child or a child you know may be in an abusive situation, call the Genesis helpline.
How does abuse affect children?
In abusive relationships, children are frequently exposed to violence or manipulative behaviors, and at times, they may also be victims themselves. Even a small amount of exposure can have lasting effects on a child’s development. Thankfully, children are remarkably resilient. With appropriate support and lifestyle adjustments, their still-developing minds can acquire coping skills and gain tools to help them manage and, hopefully, one day overcome their trauma.
“Despite what they may have gone through, children are resilient. Although the impact is profound, because their brains are still developing there are many ways to support and care for a child who has been impacted by abuse. However, there are still a few long-term behavioral, emotional and physical effects that children will need to learn to cope with.
We must be accountable, proactive and effective in protecting our most vulnerable.”
A breakdown: How are children impacted by abuse?
Abuse affects each child differently, but each child has the capacity to overcome their situation. By identifying how it has affected each child, it becomes easier for all of us to help make a difference.
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Children who have been exposed to abuse are likely to exhibit changes in behavior such as acting out, attention seeking, aggressive or passive behavior, and difficulty setting limits. Often times, children will take on care-taking responsibilities or work to overachieve in their goals in order to get others to see their value. Children are often aloof and sarcastic and can lose interest in school or other activities.
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Children tend to feel responsible for violence toward themselves or their mothers, and end up having difficulty trusting others in the future. These children are likely to make excuses for their behavior, and believe it is bad to feel angry. They can develop low self esteem, and have trouble asking others for things they need.
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Abuse can have the most effect on a child’s emotional state. This can include feelings of guilt, shame, fear, confusion, anger, and grief. Overall, children tend to feel burdened by their situation.
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Children in abusive situations are likely to exhibit a few physical tells such as somatic complaints of headaches, stomach aches and asthma, they can appear nervous or anxious with a short attention span, and they are likely to be sick with a cold or flu often. These children can often become lethargic and neglect personal hygiene as well as show regression in developmental tasks such as bed-wetting and thumb-sucking.
To receive support, call or text the 24-hour helpline. 214.946.HELP (4357)
All Genesis services are free, confidential and available in English and Spanish.