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You have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). But do you feel that the source of your disorder has been fully uncovered? During this back-to-school season, we have been focusing on addressing childhood adversities, as well as how it impacts a child’s learning and ability to thrive in school, socially and academically. ADHD is a chronic issue as well, often...

  By Shirley Sanguino In the United States, 1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence (DV) each year, and 90% of these children witness the violence that occurs in their homes. In homes with domestic violence, children are negatively impacted at all stages of their development in the key areas of life: physical, mental, behavioral, and relational. Trauma from DV can impact children’s...

By Shirley Sanguino Indeed, we all remember March of 2020, when coronavirus, COVID-19 brought the world into a complete lockdown. It caused daily activities such as school and work to become remote. It also required everyone to create ingenious ways to stay active at home. Unfortunately, these changes also brought on a darker side for those suffering from domestic violence (DV). Impact on...

Researchers have identified ten Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACEs. These are linked to childhood trauma, chronic illness, mental health problems, and other challenges that can impact a child’s entire life. Some of these ACEs include physical abuse, sexual abuse, and experiencing parents getting a divorce. Is domestic violence considered one of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?...

Why do children that grow up with Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV) develop the feeling of toxic shame? Children who grow up with domestic violence (DV) often feel guilt and worse, shame. They grow up to have and accept guilt that they do not deserve. These children grow up thinking that what they experienced in their home was something they could have prevented. They may even blame themselves...

By Shirley Sanguino Ever wondered why there are children who display a calm demeanor and others who exhibit  more aggression? If so, have you taken the time to think of what has led this child to become this way? There are many contributors, such as health problems, family and home life, struggles at home, and traumatic events that can lead to aggression in children. Often, these traumatic...

Who do you think of first when you hear the term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Do most people think of a combat soldier, the war-hardened veteran? Or do they think of a child that is growing up with domestic violence? Did you know that both the soldier and child can develop Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), producing many of the same symptoms and pitfalls impacting all areas of...

Did you know about one in seven children grow up living with domestic violence in their homes? Fortunately, research suggests that if these children have a caring adult in their lives, they are much more likely to be resilient against the negative effects of Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV). You can offer vital support to these children. Recognize the signs that they are living in a home with...

Do you know a child who exhibits a behavioral disorder, such as anxiety, depression, aggression, or social withdrawal? Researchers have found that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are the root of many behavioral disorders, but there’s one ACE that many people forget about: Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV). What is Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV)? Domestic violence is a serious issue that...

May is Women’s Health Month and this weekend is Mother’s Day. The wish is that everyone enjoys time with their moms, or celebrates them in memory. Yet, many women, who grew up with Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV), or experience domestic violence (DV), do not find much to celebrate this month. This blog focuses on health issues of women- those that have children or are moms to be impacted by...