Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA’s Post

This isn’t about a one-time event but rather a repeated pattern, where mistreatment or hurtful actions are followed by an unspoken rule: “Move on, don’t talk about it.” This does more than brush off the incident; it teaches you that your pain doesn’t matter. It normalizes dysfunction, creating an environment with the unspoken agreement to not discuss hurtful events and feelings. Over time, this cycle silences you, making you doubt your own emotions, and subtly trains you to question the validity of your experiences. Those who repeatedly act like nothing happened after being emotionally or physically harmful are interested in preserving the status quo. 👉For children growing up in these families, it can leave them more vulnerable to other types of abuse where they’re not only cutoff from adult protection, and aware that it’s not safe to bring difficult topics to the adults around them. Healing often begins with seeing this pattern & validating your own feelings and experience, recognizing that your pain is real, even if others refuse to acknowledge it. #childhoodtrauma #narcissisticparent #toxicfamily #dysfunctionalfamily #cptsd #yourvoicematters #emotionallyimmatureparents #emotionalabuse

You can be a safe adult in a child's life. Start with these six steps when a child discloses harm: Listen without judgment, believe them, reassure them, report the harm, provide ongoing support, and take care of yourself. Let's do our part to keep our children safe! #ChildAbuseAwarenessMonth #ChildSafety #BeASafeAdult https://lnkd.in/gyK2YMtx

The Flying Child - A Cautionary Fairy Tale for Adults: Review by Sarah Pritchard - Consultant Social Worker and Trainer. “Whatever your reason is for turning these pages, it will reach you in ways that you are not expecting, it provides a prism of perspective of the complexities of child abuse and the legacy of trauma that it leaves.  Expect incitement, clarity, guidance, reflection, ideas and empowerment.  The current safeguarding and trauma healing system must recognise that a child is not responsible for stopping their abuse and people must be reached at where they are at.  If you are a curious and determined relational human and want to be part of the solution of human suffering, then start by reading this book. “The only option is to dare"" #CSA #ChildSexualAbuse #memoir #therapymemoir #TheFlyingChildStory ZunTold Fiction As Therapy #Therapy Jo Watson (AD4E)

👴👵 Let's honor our elders and promote a culture of respect and care, especially on Elder Abuse Awareness Month! This month provides an opportunity for communities worldwide to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect faced by older people. Here are 7 tips to treat older people well, ensuring they feel valued and respected: 1. Speak to them with respect, acknowledging their wisdom and life experience. 2. Show genuine interest in their stories and lessons learned over the years. 3. Help preserve their personal identity and dignity, recognizing their individuality. 4. Motivate them to engage in activities that make them feel useful and fulfilled. 5. Assist them in their daily tasks, offering support with patience and empathy. 6. Introduce them to new technologies and make it easier for them to access them. 7. Be patient and allow them to make their own decisions, respecting their autonomy and independence. Together, let's educate ourselves and each other to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone as we age. 💖 #TheGoodLife #ElderAbuseAwarenessMonth #WEAAD #RespectYourElders #CaringCommunity #HealthyAging

If a child you know is experiencing any of the above behaviors, they could be processing an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). Check out this Cleveland Clinic article to learn more about the signs of ACEs and how to best support children processing them. https://lnkd.in/grE8SR6d #elementary #support #mentalhealth

For far too long adult children who are desperately enforcing boundaries or distance with their emotionally abusive parents have been the subject of shaming and judgement from outsiders. These individuals have absolutely no clue what these adult children endured from their parents that lead them to this place of deep pain and isolation. Yet, instead of taking genuine interest and offering support, they choose to say hurtful comments and cast judgement on these survivors. Even more, people are failing to hold parents accountable. Since when do we assume the child is at fault? Isn’t it possible that the adults who gave birth to and raised this child throughout the most critical and formative years of their life have some influence on how things got to where they are? In almost all cases, it’s on the parents. We need a shift. No more blaming and shaming trauma survivors. Instead, ask what their parents may have done to lead these adult children to make impossible choices to protect their well-being and preserve their safety. #trauma

Adult children of emotionally immature parents face the challenging task of grieving the parents they wished they had and reparenting themselves. In this process, it's natural to have "parts" of you that maintain hope that your parents may change, and these parts conflict with the "parts" of you that may feel relieved at an estranged relationship. Using the IFS (Internal Family Systems) framework, we can take into account different missions and priorities within us and restore Self-trust that enables us to live peaceful and confident lives. #ifstherapy #internalfamilysystems

A Courageous Child Abuse Survivor – 60 Minutes. In a recent episode of 60 Minutes, Madeleine West shared her story as a survivor of child abuse and the impact it had on her life. Her bravery in speaking out raises awareness of the insidious and destructive effects of Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs). These effects can be pervasive into adulthood and can prevent healing if left unaddressed. As a society, we must acknowledge that many survivors of abuse may have never disclosed or been justly supported. Despite this adversity, there are professionals who care. Gratitude to those determined Police investigators. It’s never too late to access your right to guidance, support, justice, and healing. If you have information or questions, resources are available. Reach out to: ·       Police ·       Child Protection Helpline 13 21 11 ·       Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 ·       Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 ·       Lifeline 13 11 14 ·       General Practitioners ·       Educators: teachers, lecturers, principals, counsellors, and psychologists. ·       Emerging Minds – information and resources - https://lnkd.in/gTCMyA2j ·       Australian Childhood Foundation - https://lnkd.in/gxyqHBKv Let's acknowledge that healing and Post Traumatic Growth is possible. Access the ACEs questionnaire to learn more about adult/childhood trauma: https://lnkd.in/gxDrfkKW Together, we can create a pathway for healing and holistic wellbeing. #childprotection #posttraumaticgrowth #acknowledgement #acceptance #appreciation #holisticwellbeing #selfawareness #selfempowerment #posttraumaticgrowth #acknowledgement #acceptance #appreciation #holisticwellbeing

Four ways to support the CACNT this Fourth of July. Number three, learn more about our mission and the cause we serve. Any type of abuse a child can endure has the potential to not only cause a family crisis, but also lead to personal and interpersonal issues in other avenues of life. That’s why it’s essential for parents to be as informed as possible. Visit our website to learn more about what to look out for and how to report if you spot it. https://lnkd.in/eh4aeeA #ChildAbusePrevention #AwarenessMatters #SupportCACNT

🌟 A Vision for a Brighter Future: Prevent Child Abuse America's NEW Theory of Change 🌟 PCA America and its state chapters, including Positive Childhood Alliance NC (formerly Prevent Child Abuse NC) believe in a world where every child grows up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. This vision drives PCA America’s NEW Theory of Change - a commitment to a world where prevention isn't just an option, but a reality. 🔹 Equity at the Heart: Our approach is rooted in equity, ensuring every family receives what they need, when they need it, with utmost respect. 🔹 Transforming Systems: We're dedicated to transforming systems and narratives, focusing on an ecosystem where families, equity, and justice are central. 🔹 Building Healthier Communities: By supporting emotionally healthy caregivers, we foster healthy childhoods and, in turn, create healthier communities. 🔹 Proactive, Not Reactive: We're changing the narrative from crisis response to proactive support, ensuring resources are accessible before families reach a crisis point. 🔹 Your Role is Crucial: It takes all of us, working together, to eliminate obstacles and create a purposeful, happy life for every child. Join us in this transformative journey. Your actions today will shape the lives of children and families for generations to come. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edhp6Jw6 #PCATheoryOfChange #EquityAndJustice #PreventionInPartnership #PCANC #CAPMonth #BuildingHopefulFutures #NurturingPositiveChildhoods