Trauma Support Services

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Trauma support

YWCA Spokane’s youth advocacy support services are about supporting the healing and thriving in kids who have been impacted by intimate partner domestic violence. 

Each year, through outreach, group activities, and one-on-one support, over 400 children who have witnessed or experienced violence in their home receive the support and assistance needed to help them understand that family violence is not normal or acceptable.

Support for children ages 4-18 includes one-on-one interaction with youth, safety planning, and emotional support. Education and support groups are provided for the parent and/or guardian to assist with the family’s healing after trauma.

For more information, you can contact our youth advocate by calling 509-789-9309 emailing youth@ywcaspokane.org.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITH CHILDREN

We know that many children who live in homes with domestic violence are aware of the violence, which can be traumatic for some. Trauma is a result of an experience that is too intense, scary or threatening to be managed or coped with.

Coping is a skill that everyone learns at some point. Here’s an analogy: the first time you ever missed a bus might have caused panic, frustration, fear, or self-doubt. But after getting older and missing a few more, you learned that you would be okay after missing a bus and the experience is no longer as threatening as it first felt. You learned skills to cope with the particular fear or threat, such as calling into work late, rerouting, waiting for the next one, bringing a book.

Without the tools to deal with trauma, children who are repeatedly exposured traumatic experiences may deal with their experiences in an unhealthy way. Symptoms of trauma vary per child, and can include:

  • Changes in eating habits, stomach aches, headaches, or anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Defiance
  • Trouble concentrating, short attention span
  • Delays or regression in development

The good news is that kids are resilient. Especially yours! A good relationship with a caring adult helps tremendously. Many “symptoms” of trauma begin to fade once the stress is relieved. In fact, the best thing for a child experiencing complex trauma is immediately ending exposure to the trauma.

Relationships with supportive parents and adults are some of the most important protective factors for youth exposed to domestic violence (read more about protective factors).

I am worried about my child..now what?

It is normal to feel concerned for your child after they have been impacted by violence in the home. If you would like additional resources or support for your child, please contact our Youth Advocate by calling 509-789-9309 emailing youth@ywcaspokane.org.

Our Youth Advocate can provide:

  • 1:1 advocacy appointments with youth
  • Parent engagement and support
  • Referrals and resources

Additional Services

Curious about additional services at YWCA Spokane? Check out our regularly updated list of services available here.