A school-based group process for children who witness family violence

Abstract

Historically, groups supporting children who have witnessed violence have been housed in shelters for women and children fleeing abuse. The purpose of this project is to develop a school-based group process which can be co-facilitated by teachers and guidance staff. The program consists often group sessions which focus on the cognitive, psychological, and social needs of a child experiencing or at risk of witnessing family violence. Important factors are identification and expression of feelings, building self- esteem, personal safety, and awareness and prevention of abuse. The materials, group structure, and philosophical framework for this process are in keeping with the work of women's shelters and the writer's own experience in group development and shelter work over the past ten years.