Lesson 1: What is family violence? Signs of trauma
Lesson Objective
The learner will define family violence and identify the necessity of being able to identify trauma.
Why is family violence our problem?
“Family violence is by far the most prevalent and devastating source of childhood trauma, effecting many more children than other sources such as accidents, disasters, and medical conditions,” (Craig, 2008, p. 2).
Unfortunately, trauma caused by family violence is not uncommon among school age children. These children are affected negatively by this domestic violence. At school they could be angry, frustrated and aggressive and classified as underachieving in their academics (Holt, 2015). Not only does this affect their academics, it also affects their relationships with both adults and peers, and their general development (Craig, 2008). Educators should be trained at identifying the signs of family violence and how to provide a supportive environment where they may thrive and learn.
Peckover & Trotter (2015) explain that these children need special support and safeguarding and that the ways in which professionals deal with their needs could be enhanced or expanded upon. UNICEF (2006) reports that nearly 275 million children have been impacted by domestic violence globally. That is a lot of children who need special attention when they come to school traumatized by what has happened at home. By informing and educating all school personnel, students will be given a greater chance at overcoming their trauma and have a chance to perform to their full potential.
Signs of Family Violence
New York State public school officials, including teachers, are considered mandated reporters as identified in guidelines established the NYS Office of Child and Family Services. Teachers are required to report to the NYS Child Protective Services (CPS) system if they suspect a student is being abused or maltreated. Sometimes the students are not the ones being abused but they certainly exhibit a certain set of signs indicating they are traumatized. Unfortunately behaviors and signs can be different from one student to the next. Cousins & Callary (2012) elaborate by claiming signs will be different depending on the development and age of the child. However, Baker (2002) reports that some students will complain of physical pain, being tired, constantly being worried about loved ones, and sadness. Different types of indicators are described by Crosson-Tower (2003). She claims that some of these students resemble troublemakers by being aggressive, defiant and some students can even be fearful of adults.
Tasks
Answer the questions below and then view the video
- Explain what family violence is.
- Identify the necessity of being able to identify a student with trauma in the classroom.
Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma This is a great video that explains what youth feel as a result of experiencing family violence. It allows us to be empathetic to their difficulties in school and in life. By understanding their feelings we can understand some of their reactions in class.
Read the following article on the signs of family violence then reflect on the questions in the Discussion Tab above:
Symptoms of Witnessing Violence This page provides a nice list of symptoms of family violence we might see in our classroom and examples. I always find examples to be helpful to explain certain situations that may be ambiguous.
- Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your students?
- Have you attributed them to normal behavior or has it made you wonder?
- Do these symptoms make sense considering what they are going through at home?
View the fact sheet below
This PDF provides eye opening facts, explanations of the facts, and symptoms of trauma. Trauma affects youth more than you may guess and can greatly impact their performance in school.
Trauma Facts for Educators (alternative link)
Moving On
Once you have completed Lesson 1 and feel confident, move on to Lesson 2: Effects of family violence on academics, emotions, and relationships
Lesson 1: What is family violence? Signs of trauma
Lesson 2: Effects of family violence on academics, emotions, and relationships
Lesson 3: Methods to help students cope
References
Baker, L. L. (2002). Children exposed to domestic violence: A teacher's handbook to increase understanding and improve community responses. London, Ontario: Centre for Children & Families in the Justice System.
Cousins, M., & Callary, M. (2012). Domestic Violence: An Important Social Issue for Schools. TEACH Journal of Christian Education, 3(1), 10-13.
Craig, S. E. (2008). Reaching and teaching children who hurt: Strategies for your classroom. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Pub.
Crosson-Tower, C. (2003). The role of educators in preventing and responding to child abuse and neglect. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect.
Holt, S. L. (2015). AN EXPLORATION OF THE IMPACTS THAT EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAN HAVE ON A CHILD'S PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION: VIEW OF EDUCATIONAL STAFF. British Journal Of Community Justice, 13(2), 7-26.
Peckover, S., & Trotter, F. (2015). Keeping the focus on children: the challenges of safeguarding children affected by domestic abuse. Health & Social Care In The Community, 23(4), 399-407. doi:10.1111/hsc.12160
UNICEF. (2006). Behind Closed Doors: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children [Brochure]. West Sussex, United Kingdom: Author.