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News Release

HHS LAUNCHES EFFORT TO HELP CHILDREN
WHO WITNESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced a new initiative to help children who witness domestic violence to develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults and prevent the cycle of violence from continuing from one generation to the next.

The initiative, called "Safe and Bright Futures for Children," will incorporate evidence-based practices such as treatment for child and adolescent trauma, mentoring and mental health services while also addressing risk and protective factors to negate the cyclical effects of violence. It will encourage the integration of these services at the local and regional level by building collaborations of community, faith-based or other programs that identify, assess, treat and provide long-term services.

"Each year, there are nearly 700,000 documented incidents of domestic violence that threaten the well-being of children and families across our nation," Secretary Thompson said. "This new effort will provide preventive services and support to help children affected by this violence to enjoy a safe and bright future and to break the cycle of violence. We want to provide our youth with the skills and tools they need to make healthy choices in their lives."

Research has found that activities that involve and empower youth in their families, schools and communities can help protect them from harm. Under the new effort, HHS expects to provide funding for demonstration projects nationwide to serve children and adolescents who witness or are exposed to domestic violence. Grantees must establish partnerships between agencies, organizations and other referral services within the community.

The recipients may include faith-based, community and other organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to providing counseling and mental health services to children and youth living in their communities. Awards will depend on the size of the community and the scope of the project, with priority given to communities with a high incidence of domestic violence.

A significant percentage of children who witness domestic violence eventually become abusers or victims of abuse. In addition, children who witness domestic violence are more likely to exhibit behavioral and physical health problems including depression, anxiety and violence towards peers. Adolescents are also more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, engage in teenage prostitution and commit sexual assault crimes.

HHS plans to devote about $5 million to support one or more demonstration projects in fiscal year 2004. Additional resources may also come from proceeds of the Stop Family Violence stamp, which President Bush unveiled today as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The new effort builds on the Bush Administration's existing efforts to combat violence against women and families. HHS and the Justice Department lead the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women, which provides critical guidance on these issues. Other HHS initiatives include:

• The National Sexual Violence Resource Center provides comprehensive information on sexual violence, policy, and technical assistance.
• A partnership with the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence's Center for Elder Abuse, which supports the creation of training materials for service providers to the elderly on violence against women in this vulnerable population.
• Community workshops focused on men as partners in ending violence against women and on educating young men and boys about how to foster and maintain healthy relationships.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: October 8, 2003