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Major Childhood Adversities Trigger Toxic Stress That Can Derail the Life of a Child; A Caring Adult Can Be the Antidote
The neuro-biological impact of major adverse childhood experiences can have ripple effects well into the future. Major childhood adversities like Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV) - when no caring adults is in present to help buffer their impact – tend to lead to chronic stress responses or toxic stress. Toxic stress damages the architecture of the developing brain, which in turn leads to a...
The Most Helpless Victims of Domestic Violence are so Often Invisible
In many cases of Domestic Violence, children more often than not are overlooked as victims because they were not the direct target of the violence. But, according to decades of evidence, they’re equally impacted by these circumstances, with often grave repercussions. Simply hearing, seeing, and being around the violence is sufficient to profounding affect them mentally, emotionally, and/or...
CDV Compromises 4 Fundamental Needs of Children: a Recipe for Negative Consequences in Adulthood
The most vulnerable point in any person’s life is their childhood. As a child, one is physically weaker and smaller than the adults around them as well as more vulnerable to outside influences - good and bad alike. For this reason, strong caring adults must help guide children towards their full potential, the help them become the people they were meant to be. Teacher and writer, Robert Ward, in...
This April, Let’s Talk About the Critical Link Between Child Abuse & CDV…and the Program That Can Curb Both!
I was talking with a woman I met on a flight last year and my work in the space of Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV) came up. She told me “That’s a great cause. Child abuse is a big problem, and those children need more people to help them.” I explained that, yes, child abuse IS a big problem, but that it’s not what I focus on: Childhood Domestic Violence. I then thought to myself, “Why is it...
ABC Station Cites Childhood Domestic Violence Association, Spotlighting Dire Impact of Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV)
Citing the Childhood Domestic Violence Association, an ABC station recently ran a segment outlining the profound impact that Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV) has on those who experience it. Why is it so important to talk about CDV? Because awareness itself is curative. CDV is much more common in the United States than most may think. An estimated 15+ million children face CDV in the US. For...
Lightweight boxer Kye Mackenzie defies the assumption that growing up with CDV is the reason you “can’t” in life
"It still lives with me today and I didn't even realize," Kye Mackenzie, to SBS News. Kye Mackenzie is 26 years old and currently ranked #3 in the lightweight WBO (World Boxing Organization) division. Recent success in his boxing career has opened his eyes to his past more than ever, as he credits his success not only to his training regime but also to his rough upbringing. Growing up in the...
IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE WHO GREW UP WITH CDV, GIVE THE GIFT THAT REALLY COUNTS THIS HOLIDAY!
If You Love Someone Who Grew Up With CDV Give The Gift That Really Counts This Holiday! From the time spent with family, to decorating the house and tree, singing carols, and giving gifts to the ones you love, the holiday season is truly a wonderful time of the year. With the festive and jovial spirit in the air, it is a magical time and a time to show the kindness and abundance in our hearts by...
Let’s Give Thanks for the Hidden Gifts Acquired from the Childhood Domestic Violence We Faced and Reinvent Thanksgiving!
Let’s Give Thanks for the Hidden Gifts Acquired from the Childhood Domestic Violence We Faced and Reinvent Thanksgiving! Turkey, stuffing, the Thanksgiving Parade, spending quality time with family, and giving thanks for one’s blessings. These are just some images/memories most people are reminded of when they think of Thanksgiving. However, those who grow up with Childhood Domestic Violence...
The Irony of Halloween & Identity for Those Who Grew Up with Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV)
The Irony of Halloween & Identity for Those Who Grew Up with Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV) Every October, people take the identity of their favorite superheroes, villains, or animated characters. Whether it's donning a Batman costume, firefighter, pumpkin, fairytale princess, pirate, or a person in a position of leadership and authority, children and adults alike flock to costume shops...
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Let’s Add an Essential Missing Piece to the Dialogue – It’s SINGLE BEST PREDICTOR, Childhood Domestic Violence
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month Let’s Add an Essential Missing Piece to the Dialogue It’s SINGLE BEST PREDICTOR,Childhood Domestic Violence — As Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicks off today, there is still very little awareness of what UNICEF calls “the SINGLE BEST PREDICTOR” – Childhood Domestic Violence or CDV. This October, the Childhood Domestic Violence Association (CDVA) is...