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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, June 2, 2008 YWCA program for kids who've seen domestic violence By Sharon Salyer Herald Writer EVERETT -- About 280 Snohomish County children who have witnessed domestic violence can get help through a new program that starts this fall. Its goal is to help children of families who aren't living in emergency shelters but who have been affected by domestic violence, said Jude Breck, contracts coordinator for the YWCA of Snohomish County. Families will receive about 20 hours of in-home help and counseling over a 10-week period, Breck said. It's thought to be the first time this type of help will be provided in Snohomish County to families that have experienced domestic violence. The program is scheduled to begin in mid-September. The program will serve children between the ages of 3 and 13. The YWCA of Snohomish County is launching the program after receiving a two-year, $268,305 federal grant. About 140 children will be helped each year. The program is similar to one that was has been offered by the YWCA in King County since 2003. The YWCA of Snohomish County gets more than 3,000 phone calls a year on domestic violence issues, Breck said. "What we hope to do is to make sure that kids know it's not their fault," she said. "Kids tend to take it on and believe that it was something they did." Children will be encouraged to express their feelings through art, poetry or music about witnessing domestic violence. Puppets may be used with the youngest children. The program will also help children develop safety plans since the parent involved in domestic violence often continues to have visitation rights with children, she said. Kids who have been severely traumatized by domestic violence can get mental health help from counselors. Children will also get tips on how to appropriately express anger. Although there are programs and support groups to help women who have experienced domestic violence, "if you get the family out of the emergency situation and get them safe, then there's nothing else for the kids," Breck said. Children who witness domestic violence can face lifelong problems of their own, such as drug or alcohol abuse and run-ins with the law, she said. "What we're hoping to do is address that while they're young," she said. "Our great hope is for healing of the kids." Join the program The YWCA children's domestic violence project in Snohomish County is expected to begin in mid-September. To be put on the waiting list for services or find out more about the program, call 425-258-2766.

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