Serving women in crisis is important. If we are ever to eliminate intimate partner violence, though, we have to help young people find different ways to cope. That’s why Women’s Resources offers different counselling options focused on children and teens who have seen or experienced abuse.
At a time when it’s easy to connect with others online but hard to say the painful things out loud in person, we are here to provide a safe place, and to ensure youth know they are not alone. Trained, supportive counsellors can make all the difference in their ability to choose a compassionate, non-violent future for themselves.
When a man is abusing a woman physically, psychologically or emotionally, if there are kids in the house, they will witness the abuse at some point. Whether they hear something through a closed door or are themselves beaten, they often feel alone, with no positive models for coping with their own feelings of anger, helplessness and betrayal.
Many youth also experience or see bullying. They may come into frequent conflict with their parent or parents. They may have been subjected to sexual harassment.
In all of these cases, the skilled, compassionate staff at Women’s Resources are here to help. For youth of all genders between 10 and 18 years old, we offer one-on-one counselling that’s absolutely confidential and completely free.
We also run free, confidential support groups for children between five and 12 years old. These groups are a place where they can express their feelings in a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere. Leaders given them tools to better manage their emotions and conflict, and boost their self-esteem. Perhaps most important, the young participants learn that they are not alone, and that someone cares.
To help ensure young people who participate in counselling or groups continue to live out what they’ve learned in everyday life, we also provide support for the adults in their lives who can help reinforce the practices that result in positive change.
If you know a young person who might benefit from our programs for youth, please call
705-878-4285.
By Nancy Payne
