Partnering with Families to Address Domestic Violence
Find resources that program staff can use as a guide to talk with families about healthy relationships and domestic violence in a trauma-informed way.
Domestic violence impacts all of our communities. It can have long-term negative effects on the well-being and safety of children and families. There are several things we can do to support parent and child survivors of domestic violence to heal and thrive. Head Start programs play a key and valuable role in families' lives. Program staff are in a unique position to support families and children experiencing domestic violence.
A strength-based approach to talking with families about domestic violence requires trust and mutual respect between program staff and families. Program staff who are aware of best practices for receiving disclosures of domestic violence and providing appropriate and empathic responses are in a better position to maintain the trust and respect they have built with families. Head Start programs can take steps to prepare and equip themselves to prevent and address domestic violence. From the individual to the programmatic level, it is important to create a collaborative approach. Program staff must have the opportunities and resources to learn more about domestic violence, ways to support families experiencing domestic violence, and strategies to promote healthy relationships.
A key part of this work is creating a culture where the health and well-being of program staff is prioritized by enhancing community partnerships. Domestic violence can affect those supporting families directly experiencing domestic violence, so it is crucial that program staff access the supportive services they need and engage in wellness practices regularly.
Use this resource to learn what domestic violence is and how it affects children and families. Learn where to find resources for children and families experiencing domestic violence.
Find resources that program staff can use as a guide to talk with families about healthy relationships and domestic violence in a trauma-informed way.
Explore this learning module to learn about family homelessness as a result of domestic violence. Learn how to partner with families and identify local and state programs for domestic violence prevention and response.
Raising children can be hard for parents. It may be even harder when a family has experienced domestic violence. Use this resource to help parents build a connection with their child and help them to feel loved.
Learn about healthy relationships, relationship safety, and supportive resources. Refer to Implementing Universal Education Strategies on Domestic Violence in Head Start Programs to use the card with families.
Use this resource to find ways to support people who have disclosed or shared their experiences of violence. There are no "perfect words" to say. The key is to simply listen, convey empathy, and offer support.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs can use this resource to learn more about working with families and children who may be experiencing violence. This information is particularly useful during periods when communities must stay at home.
In this section, explore resources to help programs build and implement domestic violence prevention and response systems and practices.
Use this resource to learn how to serve and support families experiencing domestic violence where child maltreatment may also be a concern. Review how to file a child abuse report safely, if necessary.
In this webinar series, explore how programs can help prevent domestic violence. Learn ways to support parent and child survivors of domestic violence.
Learn more about the benefits of community partnerships. Use the sample memorandum of understanding (MOU) as a guide to develop MOU's for your program based on the needs of your families and community.
Four elements are key to talking with families about their abusive experiences: Confidentiality, Universal Education, Empowerment, and Support (CUES). Use CUES to prevent and respond to domestic violence.
Use this resource as a guide to prepare to talk with parents or caregivers who use violence in intimate relationships.
Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Parent, Family and Community Engagement
Audience: Family Service Workers
Last Updated: April 18, 2024