Chances are you come in contact with children daily  who have experienced or witnessed some form of violence, which can result in trauma, causing physical, psychological and emotional issues. The effects of childhood violence often go undetected in communities where violence rates are higher.

Children’s exposure to violence can take many forms, including:

• Hearing gunshots nearby

• Seeing a victim of violence lying on the ground

• Witnessing domestic violence

• Being fearful of a bully

• Being physically, sexually or verbally abused by an older person they trust

Do you think your child or a child you know has been exposed to violence? Signs can manifest in different ways, including, but not limited to:

• Anger

• Fear

• Insomnia

• Depression

• Separation Anxiety

• Withdrawal

• Sleep Difficulties

• Physical Complaints With No Clear Medical Cause

• Decline in academic performance or interest in school

• Truancy

Defending Childhood – Shelby County has developed effective ways to provide families with the essential services they need to break the cycle of violence and help reverse the effects of childhood exposure to violence. Together we can build healthy, smarter and safer communities for children to heal and thrive.