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Family Support & Well-being

Partnering with Families to Address 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.

This section offers 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 these resources to learn more.

A mother kissing her child on the cheek.

Implementing Universal Education Strategies on Domestic Violence in Head Start Programs

There are four elements needed to have an effective conversation with families about their abusive experiences: Confidentiality, Universal Education, Empowerment, and Support (CUES). Explore this resource to learn about CUES, the evidence-based intervention that can be implemented to prevent and respond to domestic violence.

Two women sitting down having a discussion.

Tips for Responding to Disclosures about Domestic Violence

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.

Father cuddling his child who is holding a stuffed animal between them.

Twelve Ways Parents Can Help Young Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence Heal

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.

A diverse group of four small children with their arms around each other as they smile at the camera.

Families Thrive, Zero to Five

Explore this educational card to learn what makes a healthy relationship. Find out about relationship safety and supportive resources.

« Go to Preventing and Responding to Domestic Violence

Read more:

HeadStart.gov

official website of the Administration for Children and Families

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