This is in response to an article I read today called Children and Abuse at www.healwithin.com that talked about the difficulties that children of abuse face as a result of domestic violence.

Domestic violence (DV) crosses all socio-economic boundaries.  Its impact is felt economically, emotionally, physically, mentally and spirituality.  Violence in the family leads to violence in the world. Violence in the family gives rise to dysfunctional organizations where the family dynamic is repeated.  To heal our society, we must begin to heal the self. When one suffers, we all suffer.  When one person heals, the cycle is interrupted.

It is possible to break the cycle of domestic violence. As a volunteer for more than a decade at A Window Between Worlds, (www.awbw.org), I have seen first hand the impact of art on healing the past and creating space for a future.  I thank AWBW for their ground breaking work, and for the caring that touches so many lives.

All of us are touched by domestic violence ( DV) or trauma in some way.  Healing is a process, and for 20 years, AWBW has provided free art leader training and art supplies to DV programs.  Last year 60,000 participants in 25 states were helped to speak the unspeakable through the creative arts.  AWBW programs are art for healing, not art therapy.

Even a single workshop can have a life-changing impact, helping survivors young and old find a sense of safety, connection, and vision for a violence free future.  Although 63% of boys age 11 – 20 who commit murder kill the man abusing their mother, there is a positive path through trauma.

What children do with that they have witnessed is critical.  One 7-year-old boy witnessed a lot of violence in a short time. When he came to the shelter was violent and angry. After a particularly violent outburst, a shelter leader had him do the “Monster in Me” art project. When he was finished, he saw that his monster had no ears.  The boy said that since his monster couldn’t hear, he didn’t know he was yelling.  The child had a complete turn around when he put a face on his anger, and a better understanding of his feelings.  He then became a mentor to the new kids and encouraged him to share their feelings as well.  Today he has left the shelter and both his teachers and mom say he is able to express his feelings in a healthier way. A single workshop opened the door for a healthy relationship with himself.

Thanks to Lisa Boubari and her staff for their wonderful vision and commitment to bringing prevention and natural approaches to health and well being.  Victims of domestic violence spend years being invisible. Thanks to A Window Between Worlds, and the many other organizations who are bringing hope to those in time of need.

If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are many organizations that are willing to help.  If you would like to help AWBW, please visit their website at www.awbw.org

“Listen to your heart, and let it speak it’s truth.  In that truth is the seed for change.”  I invite you to become part of the change.  If you or someone you know has dealt with domestic violence, it is possible to grow, learn and embrace the beauty of life and who you are.  All you need is to to take that first step.