The most affected yet least recognized victims of domestic violence are children, who bear the brunt of witnessing or experiencing violence within their homes. Addressing the needs of these hidden victims and nurturing their path can help with their resilience and healing.
Beth Tyson, MA, is a childhood trauma consultant, 3x best-selling author, and child welfare advocate. Additionally, she has extensive professional experience as a trauma therapist for children and has a deep understanding of PTSD from her personal experiences with trauma and loss.
Currently, Beth’s latest venture is with Connect Our Kids. Here, she serves as the Director of trauma-informed practices and the creator of an animated video series that teaches teens and adults how to heal from childhood trauma.
Therefore, with a relentless hope to improve children’s mental and physical health, she founded Beth Tyson Trauma Consulting (BTTC), a trauma-responsive and trust-based mental health education provider.
Moreover, BTTC offers online or in-person workshops, public speaking, and consulting on initiatives to spread awareness about childhood trauma. Additionally, Beth teaches parents, caregivers, and professionals how to help children improve their mental health. Using the latest research available, she shares practical, evidence-based skills for healing and preventing trauma.
Beth is also the author of the children’s book A Grandfamily for Sullivan, a therapeutic resource for kinship families. She is a co-author of The Parenting Odyssey: Trials, Treasures, and Triumphs of Parenting in a Pandemic and Where Social Work Can Lead You: Journeys Into, Around, and Even Out of Social Work.
Furthermore, Beth is an avid writer frequently quoted about childhood trauma and loss in the media. In her free time, she serves as co-chair of the PA Child Abuse Prevention team, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and a member of the CASA Advisory Council.
Most proudly, Beth is the mother of a courageous little girl with a big heart and a secret chocolate stash in her room, just like her mama. In the summer, they tackle the ocean together; in winter, they tackle the slopes.
Domestic violence casts a long, dark shadow over families, leaving scars often invisible to the naked eye. Children exposed to such violence experience profound disruptions in their sense of safety and trust in adults. This trauma manifests through various behavioral and emotional responses, including aggression, withdrawal, anxiety, and depression.
Addressing these issues requires parents, educators, and caregivers to understand these responses as trauma rather than disobedience or maladjustment. Beth advocates for dedicating undivided, quality time to children daily, a practice known as ‘special time.’ This involves engaging in activities chosen by the child, fostering a sense of safety, and rebuilding trust.
Furthermore, maintaining a predictable routine and preparing children for changes can significantly reduce anxiety and help them feel more secure. Beth also emphasizes educating children on recognizing healthy versus unhealthy relationships to prevent the cycle of trauma from continuing through generations. Additionally, she highlights the role of intergenerational healing, where positive traits and resilience passed down from ancestors can help counterbalance the trauma.
Addressing domestic violence requires a communal effort. Beth suggests that bystanders witnessing potential abuse assess the situation carefully and intervene non-judgmentally if it is safe to do so. She also calls for increased public awareness and education on childhood trauma and domestic violence to create a more supportive environment for victims.
In conclusion, understanding and addressing the impact of domestic violence on children involves recognizing their behavioral and emotional responses as trauma, providing consistent support and education, and fostering a community-wide effort to raise awareness and offer help.
Adopting a trauma-informed approach and fostering an environment of safety, predictability, and unconditional support can help children navigate their journey toward healing and resilience.
As a community, it’s imperative that we recognize the profound impact of domestic violence on children and take actionable steps to address their needs and advocate for their well-being.
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