Promising Futures, Promoting Resiliency Among Children and Youth Experiencing Domestic Violence

Almost 30 million American children will be exposed to family violence by the time they are 17 years old.2 Kids who are exposed to violence are affected in different ways and not all are traumatized or permanently harmed. Protective factors can promote resiliency, help children and youth heal, and support prevention efforts. PROMISING FUTURES PROMOTING RESILIENCY among children and youth experiencing domestic violence Research indicates that the #1 protective factor in helping children heal from the experience is the presence of a consistent, supportive, and loving adult-most often their mother." PROTECTIVE FACTORS THAT PROMOTE RESILIENCY INDIVIDUAL FAMILY COMMUNITY Temperament Individual temperament or sense of humor Relationships Ability to form relationships with peers Role Models Adults who role model healthy relationships Access to Services Basic needs, advocacy, health Understanding Ability to make sense of their experiences Supportive Relationships Positive child-caregiver relationships School Positive school climate and supports Mastery Opportunities to experience mastery Expression Opportunities to express feelings through words, music, etc. Mentors Health Healthy caregivers Role models & mentors, i.e. coach, faith leader Networks Neighborhood Cohesion Conflict Resolution Development of conflict resolution & relaxation techniques Relationships with extended family members and others Culture Stability Stable living environment Safe & connected communities Strong cultural identity Promising Futures: Best Practices for Serving Children, Youth & Parents is a project of Futures Get started at www.PromisingFuturesWithoutViolence.org FUTURES National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) WITHOUT VIOLENCE National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 or text "loveis" to 77054 Without Violence Formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund The development of this infographic was supported by Grant Number 90EVO401 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, (1) Masten, A. S. (2006). Promoting resilience in development A general framework for systems of care. In R. J. Flynn, et ai (Eds,), Promoting resilience in child welfare (3-17). Ottawa. Univ. of Ottawa Press (2) Hamby, S, Finkelhor, D., Turner, H. & Ormrod, R (2011). Children's exposure to intimate partner violence and other family violence (pgs. 1-12) Juvenile Justice Bulletin - NCJ 232272. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.