Are you a child or teen experiencing Childhood Domestic Violence?
Is there a lot of screaming and fighting in your house? Do the adults in your house often argue or use violence against one another? If so, you may feel scared, sad, helpless, or many other emotions.
You may feel like the fighting happening in your house is your fault or that you should be able to stop it. But that is NOT true. You may be feeling guilty, worthless, ashamed, or not good enough because this is happening at home. But this is NOT your fault.
You may also think you are the only one experiencing this. But the truth is YOU ARE NOT ALONE – there are millions of other children and adults who have gone through this and felt these same feelings. And there ARE people who can help.
We understand. We are so sorry you are going through this. We care about you and we want to help. Click on the links below to learn the TRUTH about what you are experiencing. You can also talk to us directly by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
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You should tell someone what is happening at home
You are NOT alone
It is NOT your fault
You can make better choices when you grow up
You are stronger than you know
You can achieve great success
You should tell someone what is happening at home
If you are experiencing violence at home, you should tell an adult you trust about what is happening. There are adults who care about you and want to help. Maybe an aunt or uncle, a neighbor, a teacher, a coach, a minister, a rabbi, a community youth leader, or another adult that you see often. They might be able to help you and be there for you. You should not face this alone.
You Are NOT Alone
Millions of other children are also going through what you are going through right now. And many of those children also think they are alone. Many have the same feelings you do. Millions of adults also went through it when they were children. Many grew up to lead successful and happy lives. You are NOT alone.
It Is NOT Your Fault and It Is NOT Your Job to Stop It
It is not happening because of something you did. And there is nothing you can do to prevent or stop it. A child is NEVER responsible for the actions of adults.
You Can Make Better Choices When You Grow Up
You cannot control what is happening at home. But you will be able to control what you do in your own home when you get older. And you can chose not to treat other people you care about with violence or anger, because you know how bad it feels. You can choose to treat people the way you want other people to treat you.
You Are Stronger Than You May Know
You have had to overcome obstacles that other children never had to face. Because of this, you have a unique strength inside that others may not have. Because you faced such difficult things at a young age and night after night, you were tested and had to persevere to survive. And you did, because you are here today. So, when you come up against a challenge as you get older, you can draw strength from this experience. Remember that you were able to get through this, so what else in life can you not get through?
You Can Achieve Great Success
Former President Bill Clinton, actress Halle Berry, singer Christina Aguilera, and so many other successful people who went through similar struggles and used that as proof that there was nothing they couldn’t get through. This can also serve as fuel for you to be and do anything you want.
Some Stories
See stories of some children just like you who experienced CDV and came out stronger because of it.
Ainie’s story
Contact Us if You Have Questions, or Want to Share Your Story
Please email us at child@cdv.org for any questions or if you’d like to share your story.
