Kids & Teens Waratah provides specialised counselling to children and adolescents who have experienced domestic violence and or sexual abuse.  Kids and Teens Waratah places great value on supporting the whole family through the healing process.  Counsellors can provide advocacy as well as information and referral to other community organisations where appropriate.  Kids and Teens Waratah is a child friendly, free and confidential service provided in Bunbury, Collie and Busselton.   Appointments can be made by calling 9792 4955.

The Domestic Violence Service

The Domestic Violence Service provides counselling and support to children and adolescents aged 5 - 15 years old who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence. Counsellors will meet initially with parents or carers before making an appropriate time to meet with the child or adolescent. Counsellors may request to meet with parents during the counselling process.

What is Domestic Violence?

“Domestic and family violence is when someone intentionally uses violence, threats, force or intimidation to control or manipulate a family member, partner or former partner. It is characterised by an imbalance of power whereby the perpetrator uses abusive behaviours and tactics to obtain power and control over the victim causing fear. The violence is intentional and systematic and often increases in frequency and severity the longer the relationship goes on.”

Some Possible Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Changed school performance Eating disturbances Difficulty forming trust Increased stomach and head aches Anger and aggression Regression in speech or behaviour Difficulty concentrating Soiling and bedwetting Withdrawn and isolated Running away/Truancy

Self harm Nightmares Sleep disturbances Clinginess  Suicidal thoughts Low self esteem Self blame Anxiety Drug and alcohol use

How Can I Support my Child?

• Believe your child
  
• Tell you child the abuse was not their fault.
  
• Reassure your child they have done the right thing by telling you about the abuse.
  
• Let them know you still love them.
  
• Give them time to talk to you at their own pace.
  
• Explain to your child in words they can understand what is happening with any court or legal action which may be taking place.
  
• Try to be calm when talking with your child as they may be confused by your emotions.
  
• Keep a predictable and consistent routine.
  
• Be patient with your child’s difficult behaviours, this is their way of telling you they are not ok.
  
• Acknowledge your child’s feelings. Let them know their feelings are normal and valid.
  
• Give you child choices - children who have experienced abuse often feel powerless. Try to provide situations where they can have some choice.

Common Myths About Domestic Violence

There are many myths about domestic violence that excuse the impact it has on children. It is important to understand that the impact of domestic violence on children is real and can be long lasting.

MYTH	FACT
The children are too young to know what’s going on	Children are impacted at all ages, even during pregnancy.
It doesn’t affect the kids.	Children are affected, even if they don’t see the violence. It can give children  nightmares, headaches, stomach pains and regular sickness .
It will teach kids to be strong and tough.	It damages a child’s self esteem and confidence.
Itis normal and acceptable.	Children are more likely to grow up thinking that boys and men can and should be violent towards girls and women.
They do this because they love us.	Domestic violence is not about love, it is about power and control.
They don’t hit us so it’s ok.	Domestic Violence encompasses all forms of violence including hitting, name calling, threats, put downs, intimidation, neglect, and silent treatment.

Nurturing Behaviours

The following diagram outlines behaviours that help to promote a safe, caring and supportive environment for children. These behaviours are ok.

Abusive Behaviours

The following diagram outlines behaviours that contribute to an unsafe and abusive environment for children. These behaviours are NOT OK.

Support for Parents and Carers
Kids & Teens Waratah is a program that forms a part of a larger organisation. Waratah Support Centre recognises that sexual abuse of a child can have impacts on the whole family. For this reason we also offer:

• Counselling and Support to Caregivers – it is common for Caregivers to have their own feelings about their child’s experience. Some common feelings expressed by parents and carers are anger, guilt, shame and sadness. When a parent or carer has experienced child sexual abuse, it is common that feelings related to their own experiences can arise.
  
  
• Education/information – It is helpful for Parents and Caregivers to have an understanding of how trauma impacts on children. This allows Caregivers to have a deeper understanding of their child’s behaviours and how best to respond. Waratah Support Centre offers information sessions for parents and carers to enable them to understand the effects of trauma on children and develop ways of supporting their child.
  
  
• Groups - There may be opportunities for Parents and Caregivers to attend therapeutic groups where they can meet other Parents, Carers and survivors of Sexual assault/abuse.

 

Supporting yourself is so important to assist you in supporting your child.