By Brian F. Martin “I feel responsible when something goes wrong — even when I know there are other factors at play. Why do I always assume it’s my fault?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many who grew up in homes where there was domestic...
By Brian F. Martin “My thoughts are unpleasant most of the time, and I don’t know why.” If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. For many, this sense of persistent sadness, numbness, or disconnection creeps into even the best days. Sometimes the day is going...
At the Childhood Domestic Violence Association, we believe that language has the power to open doors—to healing, to awareness, and to change. Before transformation can begin – before a conversation, a policy, or a support system—there must be a name. The term...
In this article, I wrote about how It Ends With Us, the novel-turned-film, offers a powerful chance to highlight the often overlooked issue of childhood domestic violence. Like the main character in the story, I grew up witnessing domestic violence and often asked...
“Children who witness violence in the home and children who are abused may display many similar psychologic effects,” according to Dr. Melissa M. Stiles, M.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School. This topic of children, domestic violence and the role of...
A candid interview with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, founder of the Center for Youth Wellness and author of “The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity”, provides powerful validation for what we already know to be true: that Adverse Childhood...
Experiencing trauma can significantly rewire the brain, as hormones are released in excess due to stress. Fortunately, therapy can provide an understanding of emotions, helping to restore balance to the brain. This article features input from Licensed Psychologist and...
By Chelsey PerkinsData from Minnesota backs up the original Adverse Childhood Experience study; facing repeated and extreme stress in childhood severely alters the brain chemistry of an individual, both at the time and perhaps forever after. This is associated with...
By Vincent FelittiThis is the original Adverse Childhood Experience study, which first brought this health issue to the attention of the medical community. Much of the research done on this topic was inspired by this groundbreaking achievement. the language and...
The lifelong impact of toxic stress caused by childhood adversity, like CDV, can have a lasting and profound impact on people into adulthood. By spreading awareness about CDV we can minimize that impact and create positive change. This short animation by The Atlantic...
