TRENTON- In observance of Domestic Violence
Awareness Month, Department of Human Services’ Deputy Commissioner
Deborah Bradley Kilstein today visited an innovative program designed
to stop the cycle of abuse in the home-- by treating children
exposed to domestic violence. According to national studies, children
who witness or suffer abuse are more likely to inflict abuse or
continue to suffer from abuse as adults.
"Too many children are suffering from violence in the
home," said Deputy Commissioner Bradley Kilstein. "It’s
all they know and something they pass on from generation to
generation. It is a legacy we must stop."
Funded by the Department of Human Services’ Division of Youth
and Family Services (DYFS), the PALS (Peace: A Learned Solution)
program provides intensive therapy and support services for
children aged four to 12 who are a victim or witness to domestic
violence.
"It’s truly disheartening the terrible wounds domestic
violence inflicts on children and families," said Acting
DYFS Director Doris Jones. "These children have experienced
so much in their young lives."
Over 82,000 domestic violence offenses occur each year in New
Jersey (New Jersey State Police, 2001 Uniform Crime Report).
National studies have indicated that child abuse is 15 times
more likely to occur in families where domestic violence is
present. In New Jersey, children are victims or witness 38 percent
of all domestic violence offenses.
As New Jersey’s child protection agency and lead provider of
domestic violence services, DYFS responds to domestic violence
by ensuring proper protection, support and prevention services
are available throughout the state. This includes 24-hour emergency
shelter services in each county for victims and their children.
"Through PALS we have been able to give more children
another chance at a normal childhood," said Deputy Commissioner
Bradley Kilstein. "It has helped so many children by addressing
their individual needs through its innovative treatment program."
Started in 1998 at Catholic Charities’ Providence House in
Burlington County,
The PALS program includes drama and art therapy rooms equipped
with costumes, face paint, puppets and a puppet theater, masks,
a variety of art media and sand/water tables. These materials
allow children to use their creativity and engage in fantasy
play when expressing their emotions or safely reenacting family
events they have experienced. Additional services include childcare;
before and after-school programming along with summer camp as
appropriate; and transportation.
According to Jones, PALS also provides individual therapy to
parents victimized by domestic violence. The goal is to help
parents heal from their own victimization and gain a better
understanding of the intensive therapy their child is receiving.
Parents can learn more effective parenting skills and reinforce
their child’s therapy at home.
DYFS provides over $10.7 million each year for domestic violence
services including 24-hour hotline, emergency response and shelter
entry; legal, financial and housing advocacy; counseling for
victims, children and abusers; community networking; community
education and awareness; and children’s services. Last year,
DYFS expanded the PALS program into Bergen, Hunterdon and Middlesex
counties.
Each year DYFS-funded domestic violence programs provide 3,700
women and children with shelter and 13,000 receive counseling
and support services. Approximately 21,000 domestic violence
victims also receive legal advocacy services with DYFS funded
programs responding to over 123,000 hotline calls for help.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the New Jersey
Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-7233.
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