Helping kids with their experiences of family violence
Kids react and cope differently with the experience of family violence. Some say and act as if they’re okay and some may have changes in behaviour.
When they’re witnessing family violence at home, kids can feel worried and uncertain about what to expect next. This unpredictability can cause changes in behaviour.
Kids often won’t want to say how they’re feeling and coping. They may not be able to express their feelings, worries, and fears. They might just want to please everyone, in spite of their distress.
Signs they might need support
Signs a kid’s being affected by family violence vary a lot and it may be hard to know how best to support them.
One kid may copy the unsafe behaviour they see at home. Another kid might behave very well to avoid a negative or violent response.
There are ways to help them regardless of how they're behaving.
Continue to show love with time and talking
Talk with them and listen. It’s ok to talk about what’s going on using words they understand.
Keep reminding them you love them and that the unsafe behaviour they may have seen people at home using is not their fault. Spend time with them when you can.
Make a safety plan together
Ask, ‘What makes you feel safe?’ Next time they feel unsafe at home, where could they go? What could they do?
Show them how to contact whānau, family, neighbours, or friends that you’ve let them know are safe and who can give them a safe place.
Talk about calling 111 and what to say in an emergency. Teach them to say their address, and practise.
Consider having a code word that means ‘leave now’.
Tell the teacher if you think it’s wise
Consider talking to their teacher and school if you think this would make them safer. Discuss this with your kids before you do to be open and honest with them about who knows what information.
Teachers have a responsibility to report it if they believe kids are being harmed or exposed to violence and abuse. They may contact Police or Oranga Tamariki if their school’s Child Protection Policy requires them to.
Empower your kids
Keep up routines, making days as normal and routine as you can. This helps when things are uncertain or have changed.
Give them choices with some things during the day. Choosing little things such as what to eat or which t-shirt to wear can help them feel more in control.
Support them to connect with others — their friends, whānau, and family. Encourage them to stay involved with their school, and any positive sports, arts, cultural, faith, and social activities.
Teach them it’s never ok to be violent or to harm others, in any way.
Get additional support if you’re worried
If their health, wellbeing, or behaviour is worrying you, reach out to a helping organisation, a doctor, counsellor, teacher, or anyone else you trust.
It’s also ok to get help for yourself so you can help support your children more.
Helplines for kids
What’s Up 0800 WHATSUP or 0800 942 8787 for kids aged 5–18 years
Kidsline 0800 KIDSLINE or 0800 543 754 for kids aged up to 18 years
Youthline 0800 376 633. Freetext 234. Webchat 10:00am – 10:00pm, 7 days a week. For young people and their parents, family, whānau, and friends.