Citation

Hedeen F. Women Ther. 1997; 20(2): 111-118.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J015v20n02_09

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Children are often "invisible" victims of domestic violence involving their parents. This article will discuss some cases of child witnesses revealed to Tracey Treinen, child advocate of a small, rural Minnesota battered women's program. The children share experiences of their family violence and talk about how that violence affects them. Tracey also describes how children's disclosure changes when their parent(s) express outrage at what, under most circumstances, would be considered a positive change of behavior. Through the vignettes and research cited, it is hoped that the reader will identify the unique role played by an advocacy program to provide education and resources that empower participants to make more productive life choices. In all cases it must be recognized, however, that if violence against women were ended, its impact on children would also end.