Indigenous Child Witness to Violence Support Program

Eligibility

• Children, 14 years of age or younger, who have witnessed violence against women and related forms of violence.
• The children may be residents of residentials, children of women receiving counselling programs or living in the community.
• Caregivers, age 16 years or older, whose children have witnessed abuse.
• Women, age 16 years or older, whose children have witnessed abuse.

Service Objectives

• To provide early intervention to child witnesses of violence against women in order that they may heal from the harmful effects of witnessing violence and thus avoid the later need for more intensive supports.
  
• To support the development of a personal safety plan for women and their children, who have experienced abuse, in order to confirm their immediate safety and help them avoid further abuse.

Program Goals

• Increase the safety of mothers and their children through the development of strategies so that their lives are not further endangered.
  
• Support child witnesses to tell their stories and to understand their rights, impact, safety planning and violence prevention strategies.
  
• Assist mothers in supporting their children to heal from the effects of witnessing violence.
  
• Assist and advocate for women and their children regarding their health, safety and wellbeing.

Services Included

• Comprehensive assessment.
• Development of safety strategies or plans for women and their dependents;
• Concurrent support group counselling for women and their children aged 7 – 14.
• Referral and short-term follow-up supports for children and their mothers.