Program Objective:

The overall objective of the program is to stop the inter-generational cycle of abuse by teaching children, non-violent ways of resolving conflict and by promoting the process of healing.

The impact of exposure to domestic violence on children:

The impact of exposure to domestic violence on children has been documented for two decades by clinical research.  Research studies show that children who witness or experience violence are at considerable risk of developing a range of physical, psychological, and behavioural problems. Exposure to violence can result in headaches, abdominal pains, stuttering, enuresis, sleep disturbances, eating problems, acting overly responsible, poor concentration, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, phobias, withdrawal, aggression, defiance, suicidal thoughts and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Witnessing violence can result in fear, helplessness, and overstimulation of the nervous system.  Domestic violence threatens children’s sense of emotional security in the home because of the threat to their own care and the integrity of the family.

There is growing evidence that children who witness domestic violence are at significant risk to repeat the dysfunctional relationship patterns that they have learned in their families.  Unfortunately, these children develop the belief that verbal and physical abuses are appropriate forms of conflict resolution.

It is critical for parents to become aware of the adverse effects that witnessing violence has on children.  Parents need to recognize the connection between domestic violence and their children’s emotional and social adjustment.  Children who have witnessed domestic violence need support and counselling to deal with their feelings and with the physical and emotional consequences of the violence.

Get in Touch

FDx Main Office
Phone: 250-342-5566
Email: info@fdx.family
Monday to Thursday
8.30 am to 4.30 pm

Family Dynamix PEACE Services

Family Dynamix is dedicated to supporting children and youth who experience domestic violence, most commonly male violence perpetrated against women. Family Dynamix provides PEACE psycho-educational support services based on the contract description with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (MPSSG) and reflect the PEACE Program mandate.

The PEACE Services include

  • Free community-based support programs for children and youth between the ages of 3 and 18.

  • Communication with and support to parents who have experienced or who are the survivors of domestic violence and/or guardians.

  • School prevention activities and in particular, the Violence is Preventable (VIP) program

Assessment, counselling, and support services are available to children and youth who have been impacted by witnessing domestic violence.  Counselling services are designed with the age of the child in mind.  For younger children play therapy is available.  For more information on play therapy please refer to the article posted on the website.  Counselling appointments for older children focus upon topics such as emotional health, social adjustment, safety, and self-esteem.  With the objective of stopping the inter-generational cycle of abuse, children are taught non-violent ways to resolve conflict.  They learn healthy ways of dealing with anger.  As children receive the knowledge, understanding, and support that they need to heal, the goal of ending the cycle of violence can be achieved.

PEACE Services are usually delivered at the main office of Family Dynamix, but telephone appointments are possible with youth and with parents.

Key Resources