The Children and Youth Program provides services that give children and youth the opportunity to unlearn attitudes and behaviors that could otherwise cause them to perpetuate the cycle of violence in their adult relationships.
- Individual counseling sessions are available by appointment in order to help children and teens understand that the abuse that occurred, whether they witnessed or where they were the direct survivor, is not their fault and to teach them alternative coping skills. Please contact our Watsonville or Santa Cruz Office to make an appointment.
- Children and Youth program staff also conduct educational/support groups at several high schools, which include group counseling, and domestic violence and sexual assault prevention education.
A Window Between Worlds
Using a therapeutic art program called A Window Between Worlds (AWBW) we are now able to offer children and teens a different medium by which to express themselves. By creating art projects, this new model allows children and teens to rebuild their self confidence, and also gives them a positive way to handle the various emotions they may be experiencing. For more information about AWBW, you can log on to their website at www.awbw.org or call one of our offices.
Statistics
- Living with domestic violence can take a lasting toll on children. Nationwide, it is estimated that between 3.3 and 10 million children will witness domestic violence each year. .
- Children who witness domestic violence are 10 times more likely to batter or be battered than children who do not witness violence in the home.
How to make an appointment for yourself or refer a child/youth
There is a variety of ways to get connect with us! Please use one of the methods below that is the best for you or your child/ youth/ teen.
If you are over the age of 12 you can connect with us yourself confidentially !
- Online form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16nz8anfovXyHKNyqwxm_fpGMLVxCINwFs_AaWDjrpEw/viewform?edit_requested=true
- Watsonville office: 831-722-4532
- Santa Cruz Office: 831-425-4030
- 24 hr, bilingual, crisis and support line: 1-888-900-4232